Extra Virgin Labfest's directors, actors look forward to perform Mindanaoan plays

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IF THERE'S one thing that this year's Extra Virgin Labfest directors, actors, and their crew have in common, it would have to be their excitement for their shows.

Taking place at the Liceo de Cagayan University's Rodelsa Hall from December 5 to 7, 2019, the upcoming Extra Virgin Labfest is set to perform nine original plays from playwrights based in -- or originating from -- Mindanao. But production wouldn't be complete without the talents for performing arts.

In the official press conference at Liceo de Cagayan University on November 14, 2019, the directors, actors, and stage managers shared their experiences and challenges while preparing and rehearsing for their performances.

"We focus a lot on our movements," said Solomon Hernandez, the actor portraying the titular character in Gil Nambatac's "Si Balawugang Lablab sa Palawpao." Directed by Roland Rivera, the stage adaptation will share the styles and steps of an interpretative dance.

For some, fluency and mastery of language contributes to the challenge. As some of the dialogues such as that of Jim Raborar's "Bulan" comprise distinctive tone and words, actors rely on their portrayal for their characters to internalize both language and nuance.

This is true for Alexa Amico Patriana, who plays one of the characters in "Bulan." To familiarize the Hiligaynon language (used in this one-act play), she had to make use of available technology.

"I had to search the language on YouTube," she said.

But for Patriana, her passion drives her to get her character right. "I have really been a fan of theaters and seeing the big stage of Rodelsa Hall makes me feel like a real actress."

Passion for theater

Joshua Maalam, who takes one of the leading characters in Lendz Barinque's "Ang Mga Babae sa Kusina," takes pride in this opportunity to showcase his newfound talent.

"I started acting in role plays in classrooms," he said. This would be Maalam's first time acting onstage.

Felahn Claire Salon, who will portray the titular character in Aldren Alferez's "Crystal Clear," shares the same viewpoint.

"This would be my first time playing at a large venue," she said. "But this is an opportunity for me to share my passion."

Salon explained that she sees portraying her character in a positive light as she admitted that they share the same personality, describing her as "happy-go-lucky." What made the experience unique for her was working with her fellow actors.

"We were able to get along pretty well because everyone welcomes each other," she said.

As majority of the performers find new passion in theater, directors continue to support them.

Maia Poblete, who directs "Crystal Clear," establishes rapport with the cast by training them to speaking their lines at perfect timing.

"Crystal Clear is a comedy," she said. "Timing is very important, so we had to know our dynamics as a team."

She added, "For a lot of actors, it's very difficult to make people laugh, and this is one of our challenges."

On a more serious note, however, some themes and concepts from these plays contain topics for discourse.

Some of the issues in Darren Bendanillo's "Banga", which is directed by Zip Mercado de Guzman, and Reil Benedict Obinque's "Act of Contrition", directed by Jet Paclar and Anito Librando, may be controversial. But it's the context that matters.

One of the major themes in Lendz Barinque's "Ang Mga Babae sa Kusina" (directed by JC Salon) involves women empowerment in a conservative and traditional household.

"It's a black comedy because there is death," Salon shared. "But it also tackles issues relating to feminism."

Mindanao flavor

EVLF 2019 provides an avenue for Mindanaoan narratives to be heard and showcased. As an expansion of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Virgin Labfest, held in Manila every year, this event is organized by the Liceo Office of Cultural Affairs and spearheaded by festival director Hobart Savior.

"When the Extra Virgin Labfest is gonna be implemented in Mindanao, CCP wanted the Mindanao flavor in regards to the selection of the plays," Tat Soriano, director of "Bulan," recounted.

With diverse talents converging to help make this event possible, this year's EVLF will take a step in the growing and thriving theater experience in Mindanao.

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