Filipin-Oz

Youth Thrive in Rizal Play

June 6th, 2010 · No Comments

It’s a typical Saturday afternoon …or is it Sunday…and people are milling around the canteen yelling what in curious chatter handing plates piled with food they brought to share.  it’s not a party – and it’s not a picnic, though it seems like.

Children are sitting around surprisingly quiet and occasionally there’s a burst of a scream from the other room, “My son…,” the voice reverbates through though shattering none.

Ooops did I grab the wrong plate, I wonder? Or has someone not been fed? The wailing stops quite automatically.  

Such is the typical scene in a real life drama of the Filipino Artists Collaboration where a multitude of performers and patient parents have gathered for their weekend rehearsal for the play, Her Son, Jose Rizal.

Amazing is the talent of the children who wait patiently for their turn to perform – Elijah, Marke, Reianne, Arianne and Isabel – all between nine and twelve years old – are a power house of talent. 

Filipino Artists Collaboration is a community theatre group, the brainchild of Armando Reyes and Albert Dimarucut who have assembled a group of multi-talented people of all ages with a passion for the arts – acting, singing and dancing. 

Director Armando Reyes takes on the task of painstakingly moulding each artist and bringing out the best in them. 

Together, they’re bringing Rizal back to life to rekindle the sense of patriotism in all Filipinos and to share with Australian audiences this rare gem from author, Leonor Orosa-Gonquingco.  The play dates are scheduled for 17-20 June 2010, to coincide with the Philippines national hero’s birth anniversary and independence day celebrations in June.

The youth are undoubtedly promising  and they display maturity and exude confidence at every scene – from young Elijah Merjudio and Marke de Vera who play the young Rizal (Pepe); to the young lasses, Arianne Milan, Reianne Urqueza and Isabelle Montillano who play Rizal’s sister, young Soledad (Choleng).

Isa Noble and Ala Paredes play Soledad; Angelo Refurzo, Danny Ross Aguilar and Tom Merjudio play Paciano; and together they thrive on such a creative and artistic environment and a potent mix for success.

With less than 12 days to go, tensions are building up, nerves a little  frayed, and the food keeps on keeping on.  But the passions are oozing and almost tangible.  And as they say in the entertainment industry all will be alright on the night.

 

It’s definitely worth watching – so rush to Ticketek for your tickets.  

 

 

 

 

Tags: Features