Jeffrey Quizon, more popularly called Epy in showbiz circles, is known for his comic antics and quick wit. But a more serious Epy Quizon was seen by viewers of the recently concluded stage production Love's Labor's Lost. This play presented by Repertory Philippines sets William Shakespeare's most flamboyant, intellectual play during the 1980s.
King Ferdinand (Epy) and his cohorts are students in Manila's University Belt just before the EDSA revolution. They vow to spend three years devoted to study but they become distracted when the Princess of France and her entourage arrive in Navarre on a diplomatic visit.
To make this classic more accessible to younger generations, the play's director, Bart Guingona, set the Shakespearean play in the 1980s when Filipinos were fighting for democracy through the EDSA revolution.
"It [Love's Labor's Lost] is something that was written 300 years ago and was brought to 1986 and was performed in the year 2007," explained Epy Quizon, when PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) talked with him after his performance of Love's Labor's Lost.
"It was actually my time. I was 13 years old during the revolution. That's why it's actually bringing back students to a time when it is very important for our history. Actually, 1986 was one of the turning points of our history, that's why probably he [the director] chose that time."
Despite the changes in the setting, the actor clarified that they still used the original lines of the famous playwright. "We are using the original lines of William Shakespeare. Although, of course, it's set in 1986 but we are still using the Elizabethan language," stressed Epy.
"We cut a few lines but we never modified. Of course, we tried to sing songs, yet those songs...we did not sing the original lyrics but we used Elizabethan language as well. So basically those are the minor modifications. We cut a lot of lines because if we settled with the original we'll probably still be at first act.
As a Humanities graduate from De La Salle University, Epy is very passionate about performing live onstage. "It's like going back to school and it feeds my soul," says the TV host-actor.
Epy was known for his theater roles even before he became familiar to viewers on TV and the big screen. "Actually, I did my first Repertory [play] in 1997. I played a very little role as Paris for Romeo and Juliet. And I've done several Shakespearean plays already. This is my third Shakespeare. Two or three years ago, I played Puck for Midsummer Night's Dream. I mean, for me, it's like going back to school. I usually do one when I feel like I need to feed my soul, to feed my craft."
He also noted the difference between performing live on stage and acting for the mass media. "Basically, with films and television, you can always ask for a cut and usually it's easier to do ad libs. In a Shakespeare, there's no ad lib, there's no cut. So it's either you perfect you craft or you get in the zone with your craft or, you know, really look stupid on stage.
"That's why it's like going back to school. I mean, there's more money with TV and films, you know, but my spirit, my soul, is more full, it's well fit on stage."
UPCOMING PROJECTS. Dolphy Quizon's son has made a name for himself by hosting his own show on Studio 23 titled Gag Ito! and starring in the Peque Gallaga indie film Pinoy Blonde. Epy is also part of Jon Red's indie film Beerhouse, which will be coming out soon. Also, he did a documentary film titled The Dancer Within. He plays a part in Chito Roño's upcoming horror film Dagaw.
As for other theater productions, Epy revealed, "Anna Bitong is actually thinking of doing Hamlet next year. I think she has a role for me. I think it's also for Repertory.
"Shakespeare feeds my soul that's why you'll see me once in a while in theater. It's really like going back to the craft I learned to love," Epy said again before we parted.