Repertory Philippines Portrait of the Artist as Filipino Reviews
On behalf of Repertory Philippines, I invited a couple of Internet writers and a blogger to the preview performance of the Repertory Philippines production of the Portrait of the Artist as Filipino at OnStage Greenbelt on 15 January 2009.
Philippine Entertainment Portal or PEP Senior Editor Jocelyn Dimaculangan writes, “Repertory Philippines is able to evoke nostalgia even among viewers who have no direct memory of pre-war Manila.
“Viewers will be delighted by the magnificent Marasigan home decorated with an ornate chandelier, a baby piano on one side, and two large capiz windows.
“The excellent lighting design gives the impression of passing time and the windows maximize the effect. As the day ends, lights cast an orange glow on the surroundings, mimicking the setting sun.
Even though the story mainly revolves around Candida and Paula, Portrait has an ensemble cast that provides memorable moments all throughout the two-and-half-hour play.”
Walter Ang contributes a review for Click the City, wherein he praises Ana Abad Santos and Liesl Batucan, “Audiences may not even notice subtle acting changes employed by both [Ana Abad Santos and Liesl Batucan] to great effect. Watch out how they use slightly bent over and inhibited body language that slowly transform into erect and confident stances as their characters find their footing. Both actresses often have to switch from elation to desperation in a matter of beats and are amazing to watch as they do so, right on cue.”
Blogger Dr. Fred Hawson of Fred Said agrees, “Paula is so infused with innocence and shyness, and the transformation she undergoes was so palpably essayed by Ms. Batucan. I felt that Paula is the showier role and Ms. Batucan took it to town.
Ms. Ana Abad-Santos’ Candida is more underplayed, the portrayal was quiet yet strong, staying true to character. Her scene where she tells Paula what happens at the Bureau of Science was so heart-tugging. Her scenes while waiting up for Paula to come home were so serene yet tense. Candida will be alternatively played by veteran Ms. Irma Adlawan. Her interpretation of Candida should be interesting to watch out for also.”
Portrait of the Artist as Filipino will run at OnStage Theater from 16 January till 08 February 2009. For tickets, please call Ticketworld at 891.9999 or Repertory Philippines at 887.0710
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