An Artist Journeys

I propose that artists are driven by two needs: the need to say something in order to make a difference, and the need to satisfy an appetite for adventure by constantly exploring uncharted seas of artistic expression. In other words, the need to express insights and the need to find new ways to say them. I for one, have come to a point in my career as an artist where I am no longer satisfied with what society, economics and fashion dictates is possible for me to do artistically. Although I respect the work of my colleagues, works that have found their "niche markets," I nevertheless feel an ache to redefine the landscape of theater in the country, to do what won’ t be done by them because it straddles the thin line between bravery and insanity. I have a soul that longs to break the glass ceiling that separates me from the sky. I need to move on, tackle new issues, undertake fresh journeys, to challenge myself artistically as I never have before. To once more surprise myself even if it means courting failure.

Two things: I need to find something new to say, and new ways to say it. I have found a kindred spirit in David Hare, the eminent playwright of acclaimed plays such as "Plenty," and "Skylight." In 1998, fresh from a triumphant staging of his "Amy’s View" with Dame Judi Dench, the playwright makes an artistic leap of faith at fifty by writing a monologue about an eye-opening trip to Israel. As he narrates the encounters on his trip, personal conversations that are at once amusing and vivid, we slowly realize that what we are hearing are the voices of at least 33 people, and a world is opening up for us to embrace: viewpoints, arguments, biases and shades of understanding that not only humanize the headlines but makes us wonder about where our own faith lies in its place of origin.

What a challenge! I thought to myself. By performing his monologue, I get to do one over him by adding his voice to the other 33! And at the same time, for one night only, the project gives me the opportunity to raise funds for my very independent company Actor’s Actors Inc. (we are so independent, we could put a Yamaha OMB to shame).

I ask for your support, and am certainly not above imploring you to undertake my journey with me. Today, July 5, 8 p.m. at the RCBC Plaza in Ayala Ave., I invite you to see and listen to David Hare's Via Dolorosa via me.

Tickets are available at 536-5844.