Alfred Urieta

MANILA, Philippines - Gantimpala Theater closes its 34th season with Francisco Balagtas’ literary masterpiece Florante at Laura, under the direction of brothers Roeder and Jose Jeffrey Camañag, with a script written by Bonifacio Ilagan.

In the latest incarnation, Alfred Urieta portrays two major characters — Makata, the play’s story weaver and Adolfo, nemesis of the Albanian prince Florante and jilted suitor of Laura.

After graduating from the CCP Summer Drama Workshop, he became an assistant stage manager in the Philippine Independence Day Celebration parade which was presented by Gantimpala Theater in cooperation with the Department of Tourism.

The theater bug obviously bit the young man as he played various ensemble parts in the company’s Four Classics — Ibong Adarna, Florante at Laura, Kanser (Noli Me Tangere) and El Filibusterismo.

His most notable roles include Basilio in El Filibusterismo; Crisostomo Ibarra in Pepe Rizal, sa Isip, Salita at sa Gawa; Menandro in Florante at Laura; Sergeant Tirona in Bombita; Patrick  in Eyeball; Bugan in F. Sionil Jose’s The God Stealer, twin-billed with  Nick Joaquin’s The Queen’s Jewel, which won Best Non-Musical Production from the Aliw Awards in 2006.

Alfred takes pride in doing theater plays and does not mind whether his roles are small or lead.

“I started doing ensemble parts, taong bayan lagi,” begins Alfred. “I think that is the best way for a new actor to build confidence, learn the ropes and be disciplined.

He adds, “Theater makes you well-rounded. Every day offers a new experience. There is always something new to learn — from getting your blockings and cueing, script analysis, characterization, and of course, the guidance of your directors.”

“Fortunately, acting-wise, I have been handled by Gantimpala’s best directors,” he says. He considers directors Tony Espejo, Roobak Valle, Roeder Camañag, Jose Jeffrey Camañag, and Soxie Topacio as his acting mentors.

 “Lahat sila magagaling!” adds Alfred. “As an actor, you cannot afford to be complacent pag sila ang mga director mo. Hindi pwedeng tamad. Hindi pwedeng tanga. They really push your limits. Sa akin, I like that you are being pushed, I like that they motivate you to give your all, working with these honorable men is always challenging and exhilarating.”

This is his second time to work with the Camañag directors. Their last play together was El Fili wherein he played the troubled young doctor Basilio.

Now, he has a more daunting task, the dual roles of Makata and Adolfo.

“Makata is the story weaver,” says Alfred. “In a way, he helps the audiences understand the play better. He is the one who opens and concludes a particular scene. It’s not an easy role to do because your presence must be commanding, but you must also work on your charm offensive, para mas entertaining sa audiences.”

“Adolfo, on the other hand, is more difficult to do,” Alfred says. “Emotionally, the character is taxing. All he thinks of is revenge. Eliminating Florante is his obsession. He lusts for power, wanting to be the Albanian sovereign. He also covets Laura. I saw a Christopher Walken movie and his characterization in that film is my peg. I want Adolfo to be bait-baitan on the outside pero rotten on the inside. I want the audiences to really hate me. When that happens, that will be so cool.”

Why should people watch your play?

“I think they will have a better appreciation and understanding of the literary masterpiece by Francisco Balagtas,” Alfred answers. “They will definitely feel the actors. Our directors are working double time to ensure that we will give everyone a good performance.”

Performances are set on Nov. 18 to 19, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the AFP Theater, Quezon City and on Nov. 25 to 26, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Cinema 3, SM Southmall, Las Piñas City.

For details, call 899-5911, 899-5745 or 998-5622, or log on to www.gantimpalatheater.multiply.com.