Repertory Philippines Welcomes Naty Crame — Rogers Onstage

In an unprecedented act of generosity, Repertory Philippines founder Ms. Baby Barredo invited Philippine theatre luminary Ms. Naty Crame — Rogers to join the Portrait of the Artist as Filipino cast onstage during curtain call after the 25 January 2009 matinee.

Graciously, Tita Naty accepted the invitation and everyone in the cast was overwhelmed with her presence as they took their bows.

And then, Tita Baby gave the original Paula a gentle push to have a solo bow, which Tita Naty did with a little curtsy.

Tita Naty shared with the audience the fact that National Artist Daisy Hontiveros — Avellana, the original Candida, is celebrating her birthday today, 26 January. She greeted her long time friend, “Happy Birthday, Candida! Happy Birthday, Daisy!”

(Happy Birthday, Tita Daisy!)

Tita Baby reminded the audience that the Repertory Philippines production of Portrait of the Artist as Filipino is actually dedicated to three National Artists, “We put up Portrait as a tribute to three National Artists — Tita Daisy, who played Candida; to Tito Bert — the father of Mari, who was the director; and, of course, to Nick Joaquin. Bravo!”

At the urging of both the cast and Tita Naty, Director Jose Mari Avellana briefly went onstage to greet one of the pillars of Philippine theatre.

In a fitting finale to a historic moment, Tita Naty joined the cast once more for one last final bow.

Portrait of the Artist as Filipino is on its final two weekends at OnStage Theater till 08 February 2009. For tickets, please call Ticketworld at 891.9999 or Repertory Philippines at 887.0710

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