Gantimpala Theater presents 'Florante at Laura'
MANILA, Philippines - Gantimpala Theater opens its 32nd season with Florante at Laura on Aug. 1, 6 p.m. at the open-air auditorium in Luneta, Manila.
Florante at Laura is a Philippine literary classic; an awit made into a play and presented using the theater form of the komedya. The story is about the struggles and love story of Florante and Laura of Albania during the warring period between the Albanians and the Moors.
Playing the lead roles are Migi Moreno and Jhen Olivar.
“I am excited and nervous at the same time because this is my first time to work with Gantimpala Theater. When I auditioned, I had no expectations. I was willing to take any part for as long as I’ll be given the chance to work with them. Being Florante comes as a really big surprise,” Moreno said.
Jhen Olivar, on the other hand, is a professonal ramp, print and fashion model.
“This is my theater debut. The people from Gantimpala are very considerate and friendly. Every rehearsal day is a learning experience,” shared Olivar.
The Christians are played by Perry Escaño (Adolfo), Jose Jeffrey Camañag (Haring Linceo), Richard Manabat (Duke Briseo), Roselle Buenaventura (Reyna Floresca). Billy Parjan (Antenor), Glendel Dacumos and Alfred Urieta (alternately portraying Menandro), with Abner Delina Jr. and Raymond Talavera (alternately playing Batang Florante/tagapagsalaysay).
Representing the Moors are Berl Angeles (Aladin), Marjorie Lorico (Flerida), Alex Guerrero (Sultan Ali-Adab), Molts Meneses (Osmalik), and Vic Ferrer (Emir).
Florante at Laura is directed by Toxie Topacio with Roeder Camañag as assistant director. The production team is composed of Joseph Mattheu, lights designer; Norman Peñaflorida, set designer; Albert Figueras, costumes consultant; Gardy Labad, music composer; Noel Cabangon, arranger; Nemi Pagtakhan and Alex Guerrero, choreographers/speech coaches; Pamela Hundana, production manager; and Michael King Urieta, stage manager.
Other play dates are: Aug. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the AFP Theater in Quezon City, and on Aug. 21, 22, and 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SM Southmall in Las Piñas.
For information, call 899-5745, 896-3503, 474-5198.
