Repertory Philippines: THE DRESSER

  Finally, I was able to watch, "The Dresser," starring veteran stage and tv/movie actor, Audie Gemora. He was a former judge at TV5 "Talentadong Pinoy" (Talented Filipinos). I remember, eight years ago I sent a message to him online. I told him that I saw him on tv as a judge in a contest, and I told him about my love for singing. Imagine my glee when he replied (just a short message), he said to me to just, "Keep on Singing." This play ran for about a month. This is the 82nd season of REP's staging plays. The next play that they're staging is Ibong Adarna. I'm looking forward to more of their plays next year.

Quoting from REP's introduction about this play. "The Dresser" is about Sir, a troubled thespian, and his loyal dresser Norman, The Dresser takes place during a wartime production of King Lear. Sir arrives on set in a delusional state, while Norman does all he can to ensure that the show goes on, much to the disapproval of the company, who have had enough of Sir’s erratic behavior. As the theater fills up and an air-raid commences, Sir steps onstage as Lear while the company crosses its fingers. Meanwhile, Norman and the other characters question whether their dedication to the theater—and even the people they love—is worth the hardship and heartbreak.

I am amazed even more with theater actors/actresses after watching this play. Its really hard to become a stage actor, it is a very demanding job. Also, here in the Philippines , basing from the video of Mr. Gemora, their salary now is similar with what they were given before when they're still young. Theater artists are really passionate in what they're doing, all for love. Another reason why I love theater artists, is that I know its not easy to act like in tv or movies. Also, its hard to memorize a long script with no cut from the director. There are a lot of foreigners who also watched the show. The story is really good. It tells us whats going on in the theater world. Another actor said that, "Every theater artist should see this play." 

After the show, the cast went in front of the stage, and I took the opportunity and I asked Sir Audie Gemora to sign my program souvenir. The program souvenir costs around a hundred pesos only. Overall it was a great experience for me, and I'm looking forward in seeing another of REP's offering next year.