Jay Gonzaga is Orosman

Celebrating the National Theater Festival, stage groups around the country commemorate the occasion with popular, classic, well-loved and distinct theatrical pieces from around the world.

One of which is Francisco Balagtas’ opus Orosman at Zafira to be staged by Dulaang UP. Orosman at Zafira is a classic tale about two families who are at war and the conflict reaches far throughout their tribes. In the meantime, a daughter and a son of the warring tribe leaders fall in love.

“It is a creed for peace and love,” says Jay Gonzaga who plays Orosman. “It is a prayer, anti-war play. It is a cry against the never-ending war of nations and a prayer for an end to the bloodshed.” Playing Zafira is Delphine Buencamino whom Jay describes as a “very good actress.”

Jay, a GMA Artist Center talent who appeared in Luna Blanca, Sinner or Saint and My Beloved, is cast in his most challenging theatrical role so far. “Orosman is a difficult role to play. It requires stamina as there are too many dance sequences.”

Jay likens himself to Orosman, a warrior of love. “There is an Orosman in each one of us. Like Orosman, I will do anything for love. I would fight for love and honor. And like Orosman, I want to love and be loved.”

According to Jay, Orosman at Zafira may not be as popular as Florante at Laura, but its significance rests in the fact that the former is one of the few complete documented plays of Balagtas. “His komedyas deviated from the traditional Christians versus Moors of Spanish comedy (Capa y Espada). Orosman is an important literary figure because he was one of the few three-dimensional characters in Philippine plays during the 19th century.”

Having been immersed in theater for the past six years, Jay observes that the local theater is very much alive.

“There are so many different theater groups. There’s a lot of training being done in theater and performances are not confined in the city, but outreach, in the provinces and elsewhere. Theater is even going to the grassroots level which I think is a right path.”

Jay says that there are so many things that he is learning in theater that he did not learn in school or on TV. “You act big to reach as far as the last corner of the room. It’s live. Sometimes people think acting is exaggerated but the truth is kailangan ng emphasis. Hindi biro pasukin ang teatro kailangan matibay ang loob mo at buo at mahaba ang pasensiya.”

At 22 years old, with a few good roles on TV and an indie movie in the making, Jay says that his dream role has been fulfilled with Orosman. “Sa ngayon natupad na — ang maging title role and lead of a stage play.”

Jay, who looks up to Roeder Camanag (who plays his brother in Orosman) as his acting idol, dreams of being recognized as a serious actor. “Maybe in the next five years… and to be counted as one of the finest theater actors.”

He realizes that theater imposes a kind of discipline not found anywhere else. “Sobrang laki ng discipline ang naitutulong ng theater. You learn to be responsible. Pag-respeto sa oras, (natutunan mo) kasi time is gold… You value time.”

A quick learner, he has adapted so much to the ways of the theater. “I am learning so many things, at mas napapabuti ko pa ang aking craft.”

Jay could be a wide-eyed wolf, but he is ready for the big time. He declares, “I’m ready for it!”

Orosman at Zafira goes on stage tonight at 8 and tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.