Jamie Wilson Defies Labels

Jamie Wilson seems to make a habit of redefining himself in each chapter of his life. When people thought he was done acting, he reappeared. When people thought he was good, he became even better. When people thought he was at his very peak, he decided to shake things up by taking dual roles on stage and off stage as an actor and technical director. In a serendipitous twist of fate, he again surprised everyone by taking on the director's hat for  "Arsenic and Old Lace", a niche market play for Repertory Philippines. His evolution as an artist is truly inspiring because when one defies permanent labels in such a bold way, it means there is growth. His growth seems to be in full speed capacity and you can't help but question what vitamin helps him zoom away to the very top of the theatre food chain.

Wilson has acquired many glowing superlatives about his artistry through the years but as I write this piece, I refer to my own experiences with him. I have worked with him several times and each of those times, I was reminded to respect the craft. Wilson as a technical director, has time and time again stressed the importance of work ethics. He is very vocal about demanding respect for the material that we are performing, respect for the crew who are supporting us, respect for the tasks we are given. More importantly he demands discipline and humility on stage and off stage. In short he is very strict, like strict strict, like hide-your-phone-or-else strict, Ms. Trunchbull strict. I never really thought much about it because coming from the ballet world, discipline is a daily requirement. However, one day I came across an article about him that completely explained his very defined perspective about how theatre should be. He told the story of how he almost let acting slip through his fingers because he couldn't see the magnitude of the art. He only saw himself complying with a task (that he could do blindfolded).  Once he told me that he recognizes that everyone he's ever worked with has influenced him in some way. Designers, directors, actors, crew all have been  a teacher one way or another. Perhaps with the near loss, he realized the how art is a communal experience and not an individual journey. He realized what it meant to be part of the bigger picture. He realized that there is a responsibility that comes with the satisfaction you gain from the spotlight. I honestly believe that this was his turning point, a realization that made him focus more on what he could contribute. He  echoes PT Barnum, "The noblest art is that of making people happy". Perhaps with his near loss of the art, he found clarity in what his role in the industry could be. This renewed focus is such a blessing because I've seen him deliver only his very best in all the roles he has chosen to do. The theater community has so far been very grateful to see him at his peak.

Most recently he debuted as a director for Repertory Philippines. The story behind his new role as director is quite charming. He recommended  the Arsenic story during the Repertory Arts Council meetings and not only was it accepted, he was easily appointed as the storyteller. The play had mixed reviews but for me, it was a revelation. All my personal impressions were solidified by how the story played out. It was the little details that made the play mirror Jamie Wilson. Perhaps not many would catch the little things right away but it stayed with me. When the curtains open you see a decorated house with a sweet girly touch. But I noticed the walls had framed photos. The photos were theater greats who sadly have already passed away. To name a few, faces of Oliver Usison, Richard Cunanan, Bibot Amador were smiling at the audience. To me this spelled the words tribute. Again I could feel that in his own little way Wilson was determined to give respect to that stage, to the community and specific people who  have in one way or another allowed him to be the artist that he is. His cast choice was bold. I mean who chooses directors in multiples to be cast members?! How do you really tell several established directors how to do their job? It was bold but it was also genius. It reminded me that directors are at the core actors too and what better way to tell a story by allowing great minds to collaborate under his tenacious leadership. It reminded me that in art, humility and openness in collaboration is key. His treatment of the play was also sensitive to the material. The story line was very limiting but he didn't force anything commercial and remained committed to the text being the source of humor. While I admit not everyone will be able to understand the humor given the outdated references, I see the choice as reverence to the intellectualized black comedy. Any undue alteration would be cheapening. In a nutshell, his play reflected his values as an artist. He has gratitude, he has reverence, he has humility and he has boldness. Most importantly he understands the ins and outs of the industry and is willing to do the work just to contribute. Armed with a good head on his shoulders and a list of very important values, I really do believe he will continue to defy labels and will permanently be an evolving artist. The journey to me is inspiring and I just can't wait to see what's next.

Director Joy Virata 

Director Jeremy Domingo 

Director Joy Virata

Director Robbie Guevarra 

Here's a salute to Jamie Wilson

REPERTORY PHILIPPINES, The Show Goes on.

Alice in Wonderland Photo By:  Mommywrites.blogspot.com

Twelve years ago, I received a call from our dear friend, Maritoni  Tordesillas. Repertory Philippines was in need of a dance couple to perform the Nutcracker Grand Pas de Deux as part of their Cinderella production. I had just quit Philippine Ballet Theatre and at that time was still healing from the heartbreak of leaving a place I called home. Ate Maritoni  reviewed the sequences with us to make sure we had something to show. After which she brought us to Repertory's old office in Pasong Tamo. We were presented to the artistic team.  It was my first time to meet  Ms.  Joy Virata who was ever so energetically mounting Cinderella's transformation.  Her energy was infectious making everyone giddy. Midway, Ms. Baby Barredo came in and almost everyone stood up straighter and taller. Actors spoke louder and moved bigger. That was when I was hit with absolute terror. Here is a duo who's passion is unquestionable. Five minutes in and I knew they would never tolerate mediocrity. The waiting game was horrible. My legs were getting cold, palms sweaty. Finally it was our turn to dance. Right before the auditions Tita Baby said "Maniya Barredo is my cousin. I know ballet" (or something to that effect). I swear the butterflies in my stomach multiplied tenfold.  The couples performed turn by turn. I remember giving the biggest smile and the biggest port de bras (movement of the arms) I could produce. I was too afraid to fail because in my mind, if I didn't get it it was a sign that ballet was no longer on the table. Also I was afraid of being eaten alive. After the performance which was of course far from perfect, Tita Baby goes, "That was lovely!" It was a moment. "The" Baby Baredo said I was lovely (ok fine "WE, my husband and I " were lovely). I had to keep myself from jumping up in glee. That was my first day in Repertory soil. It was for me very memorable beginning. 

It didn't take long for friendships to blossom. After a gazillion shows, everyone suddenly felt like family to me. That production was followed by several other productions. Before I knew it,  I was the resident ballerina.  Each production affected me in so many ways. In celebration of Rep Phil's fiftieth anniversary Id like to share some of the lessons they have taught me. There are lessons that you hear about and then there are lessons that you gain from experience. Here is what experience has taught me. 

Sleeping Beauty 

1.  The show must go on. 

This is a common phrase in theater. You must perform despite personal struggles,illness etc. This is a rule I have learned to accept even as a child training to become a ballerina. But there is a difference between surviving a show, winging it, nailing it and killing it  During my years with Repertory I witnessed some of the best examples of sacrifice and professionalism.  I will never forget seeing both Bito Aguilos and Oliver Usison shivering backstage during our Alice in Wonderland production. It was flu season and almost everyone had caught the bug.  They were both very very sick for a long time but no one could cover them at that time. I could see them containing their energy. Vocal rest strictly implemented. Cold sweats visible in their forehead, muffled coughing within hearing range. When their scene came, they transformed  into perfect beasts.  Our  queen of hearts   belted "Off with your head!!" with so much energy and commitment that it seemed like she brought fireworks with her. Our King of Hearts  performed with his usual impeccable physical comedy to the delight of the audience.  While I have performed sick many times and seen others perform sick many times, it is not simply the will  of these brilliant people that I see as exemplary. It is the   the bravery to push  for more than 100% when they could easily take it a notch down without anyone knowing. It is after all a theatre  that is often times  filled with  pre-school children.  No child would have criticized a lower octave or a missed joke. But you see respect for the craft and the audience  is far more important to these people. In fact some of their best shows were performed during that bleak flu week. Lesson learned, the show must go on and everyone must deliver at par with Jojo,.... I mean everyone's expectations. No missed lines. Energy through the roof. No complaints. Deliver because every audience member out there deserves the Rep experience. 

Awful photo by yours truly

                            

Awful photo by yours truly 

2. Art is a sanctuary 

I have found that art heals on stage and off stage.   I have shared  dressing rooms with veterans, newbies, kids and I cherish the beautiful memories  that have served as happy pills. What I love  most about my family is that people  take the time to be kind even if each performance is a blur. A couple of years ago, I had returned on stage coming from the hospital because my child was confined. I had just been given awful news. My head was spinning from   worry and so I chose to be silent and focus on each task I needed to do to survive the 3-show day. There is after all no space for personal issues on stage. I forgot how the others found out but one by one, my dressing room friends took the time to just hug me. Reducing me to mush, I remained silent putting on my make up. Then one of them said out of the blue "Iiyak mo na yan. It's ok to cry but know that It's gonna be ok. It will always be a happy ending because mothers will always be strong for their children no matter what". And so i cried and laughed as they shared  some of their good and bad motherhood experiences while piling on make up. I had tears that day but it was accompanied by healing laughter. I survived that show day because kindness made me stronger. I did not ask for comfort that day. I did not expect it. But this family was there for me embracing me with love.  This experience has always reminded me that it takes so little to help other people perform  better. While art itself is a sanctuary, you can also be a source of sanctuary off stage. Kindness goes a long way. 

Pinocchio

3. Learn from the best

Repertory Philippines has  a lot of big stars. Seeing how the big stars work has always provided me with so much inspiration. In ballet (at least in the Philippines), you perform one big show at a time. Some of our actors perform different  productions  at the same time.  I was always constantly impressed with how most of them found it so easy to do. What is even more impressive is how they give importance to each show that they do. I was lucky enough to have performed on multiple occasions with theater veteran Ms. Pinky Marquez. At one point she was doing three big shows and as much as two different shows in a day (at least one of them in an accent and the other in Tagalog). Tita Pinky  as we fondly call her would show up way  early, put on make up very quickly and do a whole run of the show before the show. While this is not something unusual, it was the extra things that she would do while doing her pre-show runs.  While she remained fully commitment to  how the scenes were rehearsed she constantly innovated and improved her show bit by bit. She would test her improvements during her pre-show runs and would ask, "Was that funny?" More importantly she respected the show so much that even after having performed at least fifty shows, she would approach our stage manager and consult her  about her scenes. She valued corrections and feedback.  I mean this is a star who constantly wows the audience with whatever role is given to her (even her adlibs are greatly appreciated)  yet she has the humility to constantly work and work herself to the bone just to create magical moments on stage.  This reminds me that there is always space for improvement. The greats are great because they work on being great. 

Cinderella 

4. R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Respect is demanded by all companies. In the case of Repertory Philippines, it is not simply demanded on set. They have developed a culture that makes sure everyone understands why respect is essential. This goes beyond the usual strict implementation of rules. Every production eventually leads to an explanation of how valuable each member of the team is. Instinctively or intentionally one of the artistic team members always explains how  each role is essential. Onstage or offstage, each member should be loved and respected. People actually get reprimanded when there are instances of disrespect. Rep is a place where backstage staff are empowered and respected.  Jojo Amboy our stage manager for children's theater  is always referred to as our Boss and ate Tess  Andalazza, the ultimate costume encyclopedia.  Tita Ely  is masterfully in charge of the  magical transformations. I call them the constant of the theater equation. Of course actors are not always angels on set. But at the very least there is an effort demand respect in the workplace.  It is not difficult to see that  productions have unsung heroes too. This reminds me to work always with gratitude and respect for people who support us in our goals. 

                                      

                                                                                                          

                                             

5. Laziness is indifference 

Repertory Philippines has been regarded as a triumph in the industry. It is where it is now because it valued  art over everything else. They courageously staged their first ever production in 1967 with only seven people in the audience. These seven people were the reason they continued to persevere despite losses incurred and dwindling ticket sales. They were headstrong  determined in making theater a viable option for audiences. Here we are celebrating Repertory's history. They did not get here  without making sure that their vision of theater is clear to all who join the family. I have only been with Rep for a little over a decade. But in this time I saw how our directors were adamant in making it clear that laziness is not part of theater life. I remember vividly how Tita Baby would tell actors how lazy they were.But she would not stop there. She would take the time and talk about the craft. Laziness is indifference because it  means you do not care about the material or the audience.  She would tell them not to be satisfied with interpreting material on the first read. "Read it, reflect on it, make every emphasis on a word, every pause, every movement  purposeful. Don't just deliver a line that sounds good" Tita Joy would also say, "This is Children's theater, we do not find magic for the show, we create it. Use your imagination" The founders created Rep because they wanted to make theater great. To this day, they maintain the same resolve, they would never tolerate good enough efforts. Each show has to be a product of great efforts. Art should be a product of great effort. The audience deserves it. 

These are just five among many lessons I've learned. While I cannot say I have practiced all these lessons 100% of the  time, they have stayed with me and guided me through the years. They have given me something to share with others.  As the popular song goes "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good." I am truly grateful. Thank you Repertory Philippines for not only gifting audiences with experiences but gifting artists life long lessons to keep. You will forever be one of the greatest gems of the industry and of the Philippines. 

Snow White 

Photo by Bito Aguilos

A bit of a throwback: Waiting Until Dark and Noises off

I would say it's a pity that I don't get to spend as much time reflecting on my thoughts and spitting words out on paper.  But then again, I make a habit of living life fully so I must have had worthwhile activities that led to my brief hiatus in blogging. While I missed my "me" time for writing, I surely made use of my time at the theatre. Despite the showers that come, theatre in Manila is sizzling hot. Here's what I have to say ....

Waiting until Dark

The only thing I knew about this play was that my ultimate idol had done a movie version of it during her prime. Repertory's first offering for 2014 was a suspense thriller starring Liesl Batucan as Suzie Henderson. The story revolves around Suzie a blind woman who gets caught up in in a complicated criminal rendezvous without her knowing.

Liesl Batucan was simply astounding. Her performance was incredibly precise. Only a veteran can pull of the nuisances like that. For a blind character, her physicality was what she used to establish her disability. More than the blank stare, it was how she had mastered the room that made the  difference. Her every tap  of her cane in every spot was calculated or so it seemed that way. Halfway through the play I forgot she was playing a role. Her sensitive portrayal made me silently root for her ala telenovela even if i knew audience opinion wouldn't affect the ending.  She was supported by a beautiful ensemble cast. Joel Trinidad for me was the very able storyteller of this show. He played Mike Talman one of the crooks. It was a delight to see Robbie Guevara play crook #2 Sgt Carlino. He provided the comedy needed to neutralize this thriller. Arnel Carreon played Henry Roat, the mastermind. Hats off to this actor for his dark theatrical version of a sinister mind. Lorenz Martinez plays a cameo as Suzie's husband delivering ever so ably. Last but not the least is Dani Gana who played annoying 9 year old Gloria.  The young thespian left a lasting imprint of plates crashing on the floor in my head. Definitely one to watch out for. She was either heavily coached or naturally brilliant, or maybe even both.

Overall, this play was mentally and emotionally engaging. I loved it.

Noises Off

A play within a play. You'd think the plot would be complicated. Well, it's not. This show was simple comedy executed by a stellar cast. Worthy of mention would be  Carla Guevara Laforteza who portrayed the role of a starlet. She had me howling in laughter as she repeated her lines out of context repeatedly (as required by the play). I've seen her do a lot of stuff and apparently there is nothing she can't do. Comedy, check! Shiela Valderrama-Martinez played a gossiping actress straight out of pleasantville. She too was hilarious as she furiously attempted to keep everything in its proper place in her obsessive compulsive ways. Paul Holme who played a washed up alcoholic actor was the funniest of them all even if he had limited exposure.

The show was enjoyable. If anything, the pace of the play was a bit slow at times. This being how it was written, I can't really fault the production. There really are days when one just needs to have a good laugh.  Thank you for the laughter Repertory Philippines.

PHOTO CREDITS: REPERTORY PHILIPPINES

The Story of a Beautiful Butterfly

Dear Berry,

You’re getting bigger and bigger by the day. And though I want to keep you as close as possible, I know that one day, you won’t be my little girl anymore. My baby girl, adulthood is tough but it can also be beautiful. I want you to embrace everything beautiful .That’s why I’d like to give you a gift. I would like to write you letters . I will write to you  because  I want you to remember how good a person you are. I want you to remember how much of a blessing you were to me and your father. I want you to remember the good times. Life will sometimes make you think that you’re not good enough I hope the letters will ground you and remind you that you were always more than enough.

It’s August 24, 2013 and I just got home from a performance of Alice and Wonderland. I was the butterfly. You came to watch me with your cousins Mishie and Gaby accompanied by Nanny Rose, Yaya Car and Tito Cesar. Today my dearest child, you surprised me. I don’t know what good I’ve done in my life to deserve so much love from you. Either I’ve done something positive with my life or God is waking me up to say “do something good because I’ve given you something beyond great”.  I saw you in the audience today jumping up and down waving at me. I felt your eyes on me. I saw you clapping for me.  Though  I did not hear your soft voice screaming Bravo, both nanny Rose and Tito Cesar swore you were telling the truth. I believe them. I was far from good today Berry but I did remember enjoying every bit of my performance. But after the show you rushed to hug me and said….”You were amazing mom! You are so beautiful.” Any distaste or dissatisfaction I may have had about today  I let go instantly.  It brings tears to my eyes remembering you say these words. You don’t know how much it means to me to have someone so dear to me support me and love me MORE  because of my art.  An audience complimenting me  brightens up my day instantly . My child expressing adoration in a million different ways  brightens up my life. Last week after my first show you said to me, “Mom, you’re pretty special. Other moms are like teachers, doctors  etc but you…. You get to be a beautiful butterfly”. Thank you Berry for making me feel that what I do is special.

 

You are such a sweet child Berry. I say that not only because you were appreciative of  me but because you always take things a step further. Today before going home, you said to me  “ Mom, I’m sorry I forgot to bring flowers for you I’ll make something for you when we get home”. You were actually ashamed. It was so overwhelming for me to see that you felt I deserved more.  I've heard kids promise things to their moms, but you actually did make something for me. I heard you crying in the kitchen because you couldn't make me cookies. Nanny told us there weren't enough ingredients for you to bake for me. I told you to make me glass of juice instead because I was so thirsty.  You wiped your tears and made me my juice. If you only knew what your little gifts and gestures mean to me. They are worth fields and fields of flowers my love. They to me are irrevocable, immortal memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. You've given me moments to look back at when my days are gray. Thank you Berry for loving mommy so much. I can only hope then when you grow up, you continue to love me and care for me the same way. But if you don’t I won’t have a reason to complain because at four ’you've given me more than enough joy to last a lifetime.

I love you Berry with all my heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you . You to me are the real butterfly. You are living proof that   each day can change you and make you even more precious than before. 

Love,

Mommy 

Boeing Boeing : Pure Joy

Let's cut to the chase. It was absolutely most positively just PURE UNADULTERATED JOY to watch Repertory Philippines' Boeing Boeing.  Its a breath of fresh air to sometimes watch an uncomplicated, simple predictable plot unfold on stage.  The challenge in staging formula stories is the execution. Kudos to icon Miguel Faustman for  presenting an old story and making it feel relevant forever. 

The story's charm is all about colorful stereotypes, the classic playboy, the naive nerd  next door friend, the alluring flight attendants and of course the grumpy household help.Boeing Boeing  is  about a playboy Bernard (David Bianco)  who juggles three gorgeous flight attendants using his black book of  international time route schedules. Robert ( Topper Fabregas ), an old friend visits him and gets a taste of what it's like to be Bernard. The three gorgeous flight attendants who unknowingly are sharing a fiance all meet Robert at separate times. Changes in flight schedules results into a chaotic household with Robert, Bernard and Bertha  ( the nanny played by "the Baby Barredo")   man handling the ladies one at a time. If only to save a friend's life, Robert is the one who practically orchestrates the "avoid-death-by-ladies" plan . As fate would have it the story is resolved with  a bit of luck. Playboy gets the sweetie. Friend gets the hottie and the sassy one runs off to marry a millionaire. All is well that ends well. Oops.... let's not forget about dear Bertha  who got a raise four times over.

ALL PRAISES

Topper Fabregas, prince of local theatre (and one of my personal favorites)  performed at his best. Having watched the preview, it was cool to see him  so comfortable with his role. I could tell that  Baby Barredo  was throwing ad libs here and there and he responded beautifully. Their scenes were priceless. A veteran and a seasoned actor creating funny moments for everyone to share. They were hilarious.

Scene stealer of the night goes to Carla Dunareanu who played the german flight attendant from Lufthansa. I'm not quite sure if she's crazy in real life but she did a whole lot of crazy on stage. I applaud her for going all the way..... (I hope the medic checked here after each show.... there were some cirque de soleil moves in there) . She was the funniest of the three. And..... she was funny while still being consistent in her portrayal. Her interpretation of being German was right en pointe. She smoothly shifted from dominating female to romantic damsel while successfully making my ribs and jaw hurt from laughing. 

Gianina Ocampo was the perkiest Parisian you could ever meet.   Jennifer Blair- Bianco was just  a perfect mix of  naughty and nice, every bit the American dream girl. David Bianco?....... he was entertaining as the gigolo. He must have had some influence from "Barney Stinson". I loved his confidence. Who can forget Baby Barredo? She's just funny.... funny funny funny. I'm glad that actresses like her remain committed to their art. I say this because its simply a treat to see veterans do what they do best, their art. 

Over all, the cast who had fun made everyone else have fun. It is because of this that I will forgive the  foreign accent slips.I will also forgive the microphone mishaps.  At the end of the day or in this case night at the the theatre, it is the feeling that you leave with the audience that is more important than the technicalities. The audience that night were howling in laughter. So I guess that makes the show a success. Bravo Repertory Philippines. Til we meet again. 

Repertory Philippines' Leading Ladies led by MEN!

Mixed reviews on Leading Ladies reminds me of reviews of Adam Sandler’s Jack and Jill . That plus  the cross dressing puts the two forever meshed in my head. I’m not saying the two are artistically on equal ground . I do think however that  those who did not appreciate both performances completely missed the point.

The idea of Adam Sandler cross dressing to play  a girl role  was not meant to be REALISTIC. This is not a Mrs Doubtfire or Roderick Paulate  transformation. It was making fun of Adam Sandler, putting him in a dress and making him perform with flair and gusto. The idea was never to forget it was Adam Sandler. I feel that that was the real punchline. Yes, he was awkward. Yes he was hard to look at. Was he funny? Indeed. The audience was roaring in laughter.

Same goes for the lanky men in Leading Ladies.  James Stacey  and Topper Fabregas as the scheming  actors in drag were hilarious. They were real men  acting to be  contemporary ladies. They too were hard to look at. But that was again the whole point of it all. And overall, they sold the plot well.

I have watched Topper Fabregas in only two shows, Shakespeare in Hollywood and Leading Ladies. But already I am a big fan. His comedic timing is impeccable. In this play he would be the most consistent in performance.  James Stacey chose to  do a more straightforward  queenly performance.  He commanded the stage and demanded all eyes on him. Hard to forget a gigantic funny guy dressed in Cleopatra garb.  The good thing about this show was that every single one of the cast members were funny. Cris Villlonco as Meg , Gianina Ocampo as Audrey, Oliver Usison as Doc delivered distinct performances.

As always, there were areas that could have been  improved. Some members of the cast would be so into their performance  that accents would shift leaving one  wondering what side of the world you were in. The pace of the unravelling of events was also a bit dragging.  The ending also could have had more of a boom rather than a simple conclusion. As I said though in the beginning, what matters most is if the play was appreciated. It was, by me and the rest of the very small but very appreciative crowd who watched with me. Bravo Repertory Philippines