Painting images on clouds
MANILA, Philippines - After her film (with Rica Arevalo and Sarah Roxas) Ganap na Babae kicked off the opening of Cinemalaya at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ellen Ramos presents another unusual visual treat. This time, animations are featured in the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) latest play, Ang Post Office.
Like sketchbook images and paintings that form an imaginary landscape, Ramos’ animations add different hues to the stage’s canvas.
Unlike the commonly used square screen, Ramos’ images appear on clouds hovering above the equally unconventional set designed by Lex Marcos.
Known for her experimental animation, stylized drawings and colorful palette, Ramos employs various animation techniques in visualizing the inner thoughts and unique points of view of the play’s characters.
In a scene where the character Taong Banal (essayed by Bodjie Pascua alternating with Paolo Rodriguez) describes a fictional story about an island inhabited by birds, the clouds transform into an array of brightly colored and beautiful winged-creatures. Later on, it becomes a magical post office that churns out letters sent by the king.
The animations also turn into a beautiful night sky that blanket the scene where the young character Abel (essayed by Martin Delos Reyes and Abner Delina Jr.) is lulled to sleep by a choir of angels, sung live by the Kilyawan Choir (alternating with the Loboc Children’s Choir).
Ramos is a founding member of Pinoy Animagination. Her works have cited by various award-giving bodies: Doon sa Kabila ng Bulkan (The Other Side of the Volcano), won First Prize for Animation at the 1997 CCP Awards for Alternative Film & Video and was selected to compete in various international film festivals, while her short film Speci men won a Special Jury Prize at the 2007 Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival.
Directed by Lutgardo “Gardy” Labad and adapted into Filipino by Rody Vera, Ang Post Office goes on stage on Aug. 27, 28, 29, Sept. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 (10 a.m. and 3 p.m.). Ticket goes for P300.
For reservations, call PETA Marketing and Public Relations at 725-6244, 410-821 or 0917-8044428.
