'Support' actors give substance to soaps & interactive show

It is no secret that in many soaps, movies and theatrical presentations, the role of the support, and the fact that they often give substance and depth to the storytelling, is very often ignored.

In the ongoing teleserye Hiram na Puso from GMA 7, parents Ayen Laurel and Gardo Versoza saved the life of Gina Alajar’s daughter Kris Bernal by donating their daughter Angeline’s heart to her. Soon enough, Kris started behaving much like the dead Angeline. An interesting concept based on medical fact, which however needed additional subplots to make it stand. This meant more talented supporting players.    

In discussions with two of the supports, we discover their own dreams as artists. After seven years in the US, Anna Marin landed the role in Hiram as mother of Mark Herras, partner of Kris Bernal. This put her in a position of visibility which very likely could lead to other assignments. “I am keeping my options open. I would like, God willing, to have more projects here.”

Buboy Garovillo had acting as a next option

At the same time, eternal comedian Candy Pangilinan serves as the conscience of Gina. “I also want to have a different attack to show the audience a different Candy… I hope to be not just a comic relief.”

Hiram’s director Andoy Ranay himself had his own dreams and wishes. He has dubbed this soap as one of his most “human” and watching it, we understand what he means. The confrontations are less of the screaming, slapping, hair-pulling type, but more of quieter, more dangerous seethings inside.

When the Apo Hiking Society retired as a singing group, Buboy Garovillo had acting as a next option, while confessing to still lacking the confidence in the craft. “I remember when we lost our TV daily show on ABS-CBN after nine years, I was at a loss. I’d love to host a late-night variety comedy talk show on current events and entertainment issues.” But in the meantime, there is GMA’s Alice Bungisngis and Her Wonder Walis where Buboy rescues Alice (Bea Binene) cursed with laughter like that of a witch. Buboy brings her to a charitable institution and cares for her as his own child.

There are many stories like theirs, but also that of Eugene Domingo who has served as support in film, TV and theater to become one of the most bankable lead stars today. It certainly is not just Ang Babae sa Septic Tank that made her a star overnight. At the recent Sixth Asia Film Awards in Hong Kong, Eugene in acceptance told the audience, “I waited 25 years for this!”  

Support in avant-garde theater spectacle

Those who enjoyed the Cirque du Soleil Varekai show at Manila Hotel last year had readied themselves for more entertainment with the Fuerza Bruta (Brute Force) from Argentina this year. They were not disappointed, with the interactive spectacle combining drama, high energy, dance, water ballet above one’s head, acrobatics, tribal electronic beats with a 13 all-Argentinean cast. There are no seats, no dialogue, no story. Running around, heads up for an hour, the audience makes up their own story. One cannot really explain the concept; one can only feel it and be sad, ecstatic, confused as the case may be.

Seductive dancers in Fuerza Bruta’s pool of red and blue

Conceived of and directed by Diqui James in 2002, Fuerza has been shown in all continents to great success. Its two basic parts are assistant artistic director JM Fernandez’s “metaphor of life” in a man running a large treadmill; and the seductive dance of four women hanging on a clear bottom pool while rolling, romping, teasing, cavorting with the audience as lights changed from blue to red.

To our group, it is the drama of lighting and sound support that brings out the best in this avant-garde theatrical experience. And best of all is the fact that in this all Argentinean production, Filipino Bong Garcia has been picked to bring it to life through his meticulous lighting design. Last performance is on March 26. For details, call 320-1111.  

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