Deconstructing classics tend to make me cringe a bit. It is not because I don't appreciate different perspectives, because I do. It actually excites me. It is more the fear that envelopes me as I wait and see if the performance will capture the essence of the masterpiece or reduce it to nothing. Many lose sight of the material and instead concentrate on personal and commercial goals, artistic insecurities and shock factor.
Thankfully, the people behind Manila Shakespeare Company as their chosen name implies, puts Shakespeare in a pedestal. They courageously chose Romeo and Juliet as their first offering to the public. That they did with much respect to the story. The twist was an adaptation of the classic to modern times. The words of Shakespeare were never compromised throughout the play. It was however peppered with Filipino slang with the intention of making it more relatable to the audience. There were times it worked, and there were times I found it excessive and even distracting. Nonetheless it did not take away anything from the story. With how the story progressed, it was clear that director Nicanor Campos knew the material inside and out. It was obvious that he took the time to dissect each scene with the cast to humanize the brilliant words of Shakespeare.
Nicanor Campos picked the perfect Romeo and Juliet for his debut production. It helped that both leads were picture perfect. But it really was their passionate commitment to their roles that made all the difference. Nelsito Gomez impressed the audience with his boyish charm and intensity. Eyes were glued to him because he created moments of magic in his monologues. Memorable was the death of Tybalt where his struggle was evident with his staring eyes and his ever so slight trembles.
Rachel Coates was a modern Juliet. She did not approach the role with delicate stereotypes in mind. Intead, she was a modern, thinking, even brazen young lady. She was a vision of beauty as the light hit her face in the balcony. Oh the look of love!!!! It was endearing to say the least. She truly embodied the young Juliet who was in love with love.
Who could forget the multi-tasking Katski Flores who masterfully portrayed both the nanny and Lady Montague. Her gutsy interpretation was what glued everything together. It was she who excellently inserted the Filipino slang appropriately and with ease. Easily the biggest and most important star of the show. She embodied the deconstruction and made it work. With her every scene she gave a different, relatable take on the play of words. Truly it was a brilliant performance.
The characters all did their part pouring energy in every scene. Transitions and scene support from the ensemble were seamless as they ran all over the place without breaking sweat or causing distractions. A commendable effort overall from the cast.
While it is true that the play had a good solid cast, there were areas that could have been improved. There were crucial misses in the lighting diminishing the effect of the actor's delivery. The audience had to squint to see Juliet's acting in the dark unlighted staircase. Changes from night and day were not evident. More importantly, some scenes had white washed light. While it is true that resources are compromised, there is reason to believe it is more timing that was the issue rather than play of colors. There were several scenes.that were beautifully framed with light. The blocking of artists should have also considered the audience vista. In fact the play ended with half the room missing out on Juliet's death.
In a nutshell, Manila Shakespeare's theatrical debut legitimized itself as a theatre group with this production. This being their first offering, the fitting query would be, "Did they give enough? ". I think they (the whole production) did. The best is yet to come for this neophyte company. I wish them well as they embark on a yet another journey.
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