The last time I saw a Shakespearean straight play and
musical was either a stage adaptation by Repertory Philippines or a stage
translation in Filipino by Tanghalang Pilipino, and I can't even remember when
was that? Thanks to Artist Playground in partnership with St. Vincent School,
because on its third season they are playing " M Episode. " A
back-to-back play about Macbeth told during the extravagant Renaissance period.
Act 1 begin with James Chalmers' " Prelude To Macbeth " which tackles
the story on how Macbeth became Thane Of Glamis and later introduced Lorna
Stewart who became his second wife - Lady Macbeth. Cast includes Paul Jake
Paule (Macbeth), Jernice Matunan and Mariella Munji Laurel (Lorna), Andre
Tiangco (Duncan), Juan Carlo Martin Pacheco and Vincent Pajara (Callum) and
Tasha Guerrero, Marjorie Duldulao, Princess Tuason, Kia del Rosario, Jeremy
Cabansag and Kathleen Francisco (Spirits 1, 2 and 3).
Followed by William Shakespeare's " Macbeth " in Act 2. The 400 year
old play which has been stage played and screen played multiple times around
the world with some of most notable actors on film, television and stage. Cast
includes Paul Jake Paule (Macbeth), Mailes Kanapi and Catherine Go (Lady
Macbeth), Anjo Resurreccion (Banquo), Mitoy Sta. Ana and Andre Tiangco (King
Duncan), Al Gatmaitan (Macduff), Vincent Pajara (Malcolm), Dan Sheneill Solis
(Fleance), Juan Carlo Martin Pacheco (Ross), Basty Batistis (Porter), Gry
Gimena (Lennox), Marjorie Duldulao and Tasha Guerrero (Lady Macduff) and Tasha
Guerrero, Marjorie Duldulao, Princess Tuason, Kia del Rosario, Jeremy Cabansag
and Kathleen Francisco (Three Witches).
For Artist Playground, I have to credit the two-time ALIW Best Stage Actor
Roeder Camañag for directing. The blocking and stage movements of the actors
were all visible. I love how the set and stage were maximized by these actors.
Putting all the actors in a small scale space was indeed a pro. Majority of the
actors are neophytes and non-English speakers and it was through Banaue Miclat-Janssen
that they were trained specifically through speech and voice. As I was watching
this play in two acts, I noticed how the music and score became relevant and
appropriate to the show. It was all because of the pianist and known composer
of music for dance, theater, film and television Jesse Lucas. Moving and
soothing in a way.
Catch the performance on Fridays at 7pm (June 16, 23 and 30), Saturday and
Sunday at 3pm (June 17, 18, 24 and 25) and Saturday at 3pm and 7pm (July 1).
Playing at Artist Playground II Arts Above West Venue Building, 112 West
Avenue, Quezon City. For tickets and inquiries, visit
www.artistplayground.ph or call 09759193179.
Text and Photos by Gilbert Kim Sancha.
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