Class act: Ana Abad-Santos

MANILA, Philippines - It who prefer the emotional vicarious thrill of a live performance, by backers who think of culture beyond glossy commercials and movies steeped with pretty faces and minimal talent, but mostly by its performers — people who love the incongruence of the stage: a one-dimensional setting that promotes overreaching voices, huge movements and perceptible expressions.

Ana Abad-Santos is one of those people, an artist truly passionate about the arts. Bitten by the stage-acting bug when she was a child, Ana was never quite cured. In fact, the bite has since deepened, recently taking Ana into behind-the-scene director duties and bringing opportunities as a theater teacher at Beacon Academy.

A member of the Repertory Philippines Council of Arts, Ana’s attachment to theater is both a delight and a frustration. She enthuses about the renewed interest in it, especially among the youth (“A new generation has come in and is choosing to make more substantial pieces”), yet laments how there are still people, mostly sponsors, who expect a local theater industry patterned after Western — particularly Broadway — standards, to which she replies, “Sometimes Broadway sucks!”

What she wears to a formal occasion: A Mike dela Rosa gown, Stella Luna shoes and a necklace made of colored stones from her mom.

In a brief interview, she discloses more of her inspirations, aspirations, and frustrations.

PHILIPPINE STAR: How did you get involved in theater?

ANA ABAD SANTOS: When I was nine, I saw a Broadway show and it completely blew my mind away! It was a production of Merlin. They made the impossible possible and it was a magical experience for me.

I first took workshops and auditioned as much as I could. Then, to further my education, I proceeded to study classical theater at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Do you remember the very first play you were in?

Yes, of course! My first play was King and I for Repertory Philippines.

What made you decide to make it a profession?

With her mom Wanda Louwallien at their favorite haunt in Bangkok, the Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental

Because in theater, I feel that I am fulfilling my destiny, no matter how big or small it may be.

What is your most unforgettable role?

Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar named Desire and Mary Stuart in Mary Stuart. Mary Stuart because it is such a classic and beautiful role, and Blanche because she was so crazy! It was a challenge to find in me the reason in her madness.

What was the role you won an Aliw award for?

I won Best Stage Actress for Mary Stuart at the 2010 Aliw Awards.

Which fictional role are you itching to play? Non-fictional?

I also did Candida in Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by National Artist Nick Joaquin.

What I do, instead of dreaming of a role, is I try to make the most of whatever comes my way.

What’s the biggest thrill about working in Philippine theater?

I think most legitimate theater companies are still taking the road less traveled, which is best, albeit being the longer route. I love that there is renewed interest in theater because a new generation has come in and is choosing to make more substantial pieces. These are new narratives we can relate to better, stuff that makes us think. Basically, if you think about it, a lot has changed and yet nothing has, really. In the end, we just want to make good stuff, just like the ones who paved the way for us. As a member of the Repertory Philippines Art Council, I am thrilled to be part of the creative process and share the responsibility of choosing the plays that will be shown.

And the biggest challenge?

What she wears when traveling: A Marc Jacobs coat, Religioso dress, Betsey Johnson shoes and cuff by Janina Dizon

The biggest challenge, of course, is making theater a deeper part of our culture; we need to drink it in like we need water.

Have you ever thought of acting in TV or movies?

I’ve done a number of indie films: I did a short film for British director Flora Lau which won an award, and recently I just finished filming Metro Manila for acclaimed British director Sean Ellis.

Which actors do you admire?

Well, locally I respect and admire our own stage actresses like Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Shamaine Buencamino, Monique Wilson, Frances Makil-Ignacio. I love so many more theater actresses both for their talent and their passion.  Internationally, I love Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet in, well, everything. Recently, I just saw Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams in the movie Blue Valentine and I believe she should have won that Oscar instead!

Which profession, aside from your own, would you like to get into?

Favorite bags include a Kate Spade tote, a wooden minaudiere from Aranaz, a structured bag from Paris and a couple of totes from Furla.

Maybe a criminal lawyer. I was very passionate about debating when I was in high school. Being an activist for women’s rights was also a possibility. For a while I wanted to save endangered marine life — basically all of them are financially unsatisfying. (Laughs)

Your mom Wanda Louwallien was one of the top fashion models of her time. Did she teach you anything that became useful in your profession?

Oh, yeah. I fell in love with the stage because, as a child, my mom would use me for added “drama” as either the opening or closing of Tito Auggie’s (Cordero) gala shows. I knew then, at six years old, that the stage was something special.

How would you describe your fashion style? 

It’s like a work in progress for me. I suppose “less is more” is my fashion mantra.

Who are your favorite designers?

Of course, Tito Auggie! I practically grew up in his shop. I also love Cesar Gaupo, Rajo Laurel, Jun Escario and, lately, Chris Diaz.

At Salon de Ning in Hong Kong with sister Cris Albert

Of the foreign designers, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane, and Elie Saab.

What do you have enough of but still keep on buying?

I guess, clothes. But no, I can never have enough!

Do you have any fashion icons?

My mom, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Chloe Sevigny.

Best fashion piece you’ve inherited?

Diamonds and pearls!

Best bargain buy?

To be honest, I’m not a good bargain hunter, but I just bought a pair of Adrienne Vittadini shoes for peanuts because they had shipped my friend the wrong size. It was a steal!

After a hard day’s work, what do you do to relax?

Nothing beats a cold beer.

Favorite/most influential book you’ve read?

The Empty Space by Peter Brook. He has fantastic insight into the stage and how we use it.

What makes you laugh?

My son and basically anything I find beautiful.

What makes you cry?

My son and anything that is a triumph of the human spirit.

What do you indulge in?

Traveling! My mom instilled that in my sister and I. Ever since we were kids, she would take us to see a new part of the world. It was the best kind of education.

What is your greatest frustration?

Getting support for the theater industry. The bigwigs are so interested in Broadway and I find myself asking “Really? Do we have to?” I think, more importantly, we should find ourselves in theater first. Find a reason why we need to coexist with art. Find our culture in it. Why do we have to be like Broadway? London has the West End, Russia has the Moscow Arts Theater, and they are all reflections of how theater has influenced their society and their culture, all of them equally fascinating.

We don’t have to be like Broadway. To be honest, sometimes Broadway sucks! Acting is the oldest profession in the world. We don’t have to copy anyone else to make it our own. We can learn from them, but not aspire to be them. It defeats the whole purpose of having theater in the first place, which is to reflect our own society and find our humanity.

Any secret thrills?

Surfing! I love the water and the sun!

If you were given a second chance to redo a project, what would it be?

Definitely Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. Ondoy struck at that time and our run was shockingly short and bittersweet. I don’t think I have fully flushed her (Blanche) out of my system. Having said that, now I think I need to let her out because she’s a handful!

Indulging in her secret thrill, surfing, with son Tommy Bitong in Ilocos Norte

At this stage in your life (no pun intended), what inspires you?

My son and his generation. We can’t let them down. They are going to need theater more than ever.