Fun, fantastic, sometimes absurd

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-awarded, internationally-renowned film director Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, respected film and TV actress Jackielou Blanco and revered King of Philippine Musical Theater Audie Gemora all left their respective comfort zones to lend their artistry to Tanghalang Pilipino’s (TP) Pangarap Sa Isang Gabi Ng Gitnang Tag-Araw, an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The said production, which will run until Oct. 16 at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, also boasts of the translation of National Artist for Literature and Theater Rolando Tinio.

“In all my years performing, this is the only time I performed a Shakespearean, straight play, which is in Filipino,” says Audie, who plays Oberon in the play. “As an artist, I am just thankful that I am still given an opportunity to learn and have fun onstage.”

Audie last performed for Tanghalang Pilipino two decades ago as Crisostomo Ibarra for Noli Me Tangere, created by National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera, Salvador Bernal and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

“Noli was a high point in my career, because when we toured the show in Japan in 1995, we enjoyed 15-minute standing ovations from the audience. I was so proud to be a Filipino,” recalls Audie. “ How great it is to be back on the TP stage after what, 20 years? I immensely enjoy working with the young, talented actors of Tanghalang Pilipino.”

Jackielou, on the other hand, admits that being asked to play Hipolita in the play is an honor, but it is the opportunity to work again with her favorite film director Carlitos made it hard for her to not accept the role despite her busy schedule.  They worked together in the classic Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit (Jackielou’s favorite movie of all time) almost 25 years ago.

Carlitos, talking about the play on his Facebook account, quipped “Four lovers switching partners under the spell of a bumbling imp, a fairy king and queen at war, a fascist ruler and his Amazon queen, an amateur play staged by workers including a weaver transformed into an ass — just your daily news stuff in a world gone mad.”

And that’s how Pangarap Sa Isang Gabi Ng Gitnang Tag-Araw is — fantastic, fun, sometimes absurd, but truly entertaining.

The success of this staging is, without a doubt, because of the hard work of its powerhouse cast — the charming, energetic lovers JV Ibesate, Lhorvie Nuevo, Marco Viana and Antonette Go, with seasoned theater actors Liesl Batucan, Teroy Guzman, Skyzx Labastilla, Richard Cunanan, Kristofer Kliatchko, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, with Aldo Vencilao, Doray Dayao, and the highly-entertaining Jonathan Tadioan.