Direk Laurice Guillen emphasizes value of willingness among Asawa Ng Asawa Ko stars
At the helm of Asawa Ng Asawa Ko, a GMA Prime series with Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Rayver Cruz, and Liezel Lopez in the leading roles, is Laurice Guillen. At the onset of the project, the actor’s director asked one thing from the stars — that is willingness to dig deep into their characters and the recesses of their minds. From there, they could hold on to their roles and deliver what’s expected of them.
“I had to find, first of all, the willingness of the actors,” said direk Laurice in a recent press conference also attended by Asawa Ng Asawa Ko cast and creative team, “kasi ang lalim nito, ang dami nilang mabibigat na pagdadaanan (the story is complex and they will go through a lot as far as their roles are concerned), especially the role of the wife, played by Jasmine, because in a way it’s her story.”
Jasmine’s character Cristy lives a happy life with a loving husband and daughter, Jordan and Tori, portrayed by Rayver and Kzhoebe Nicole Barker. This, however, has been disrupted by an unforeseen event involving the kidnapping of Cristy by an armed group named KALASAG.
“Then, years later, makakabalik siya (she will resurface),” said the actress-director. “It won’t be easy because in four years, many things could happen. So, ang bigat ng requirement sa kanila pareho (Jasmine and Rayver) and also Liezel (who plays Shaira) because the character is not just the other woman, in a way, she’s like she has masterminded the whole thing.”
What will pique the viewers’ interest is the motive of Shaira for hatching such a plan.
According to creative consultant Des Garbes-Severino, the concept came before the casting. After tapping Jasmine for Asawa Ng Asawa Ko, the team held auditions for the remaining main and supporting roles. Rayver and Liezel came prepared and fit the bill, as one may put it.
“I’ve known Rayver since he was with the other network. He was just 18 years old then and attended a workshop,” recalled direk Laurice. “I’ve worked with him in the workshops. Ang dali niyang dalhin kahit saan (it’s easy to guide him on how to approach a role)… so, we talked, marami tayong huhugutin sa’yo, marami kayong places na hindi n’yo napuntahan at nadaanan.”
She was speaking about the process of learning experiences that the actors are not privy to as well as the ones they have access to. This will give them a full grasp of their characters.
“You know, when she comes back, it’s not like nothing has happened,” said she about Cristy’s state of mind. “She comes back to claim (what’s rightfully hers like) her husband and child. It’s not just a legal thing because all four years have made something to her. I think those four years ang daming bumabalik-balik sa kanya (a lot of memories and recollections are coming back to her) that make it complicated. So, nanduon yung drama (there lies the drama). It’s not just the usual kaliwaan.” So, the story demands a lot from the actors.
Asawa Ng Asawa Ko was conceptualized as something different from the typical stories about extramarital affairs and unfaithfulness Filipinos are accustomed to.
“It was going to be a different kind of agawan,” said Des. “First, both parties involved are actually on equal footing. There’s the legal aspect. There’s this law: Kapag nawala, (in the case of Cristy) nakuha nga ng rebelde, let’s say two to four years have passed, it can be declared that the person is dead, especially, like in the story, there’s the finger (as evidence).”
“We really wanted the girls to have equal footing. We are used to watching a teleserye na nawala yung isa, tapos nag-asawa ulit, tapos inagaw, tapos mag-aagawan sila dito (the woman disappears, then the man remarries. The woman comes back and fights over the man with another woman). This one really puts (and adds) a whole new dimension (to the usual story). Pareho silang (dalawa na) technically na may karapatan (technically, both Cristy and Shaira have rights),” added she. That’s why the scripts have to be read and approved by legal practitioners.
“You know by hook or by crook, nakakarating kami dun,” said direk Laurice of the actors’ performance. “In other words, basta may agreement kami na you’re willing to go with us on this journey because it’s (acting) a journey.
“It’s just the willingness, and of course, sometimes it takes time (for you, as an actor, to understand the role) because it’s (different and) far from what you have experienced… the important thing is their willingness and daring nila na sige gawin natin yan (and their daring to do it and give it a try).”
A drama about a woman who is reclaiming what’s rightfully hers, Asawa Ng Asawa Ko airs Mondays to Thursdays at 9:35 p.m. on GMA.
- Latest
- Trending
