El Fili comes to life on stage

MANILA, Philippines - Dr. Jose Rizal’s darker novel El Filibusterismo comes to life, as stage play written by Jomar Fleras, with Roobak Valle as its director, concluding Gantimpala Theater’s Four Classics.

Alfred Urieta plays Basilio, Sisa’s orphaned son who is now the ward of Capitan Tiago. He is taking up Medicine in Ateneo and is in a relationship with Juli.

“My director now is Roobak Valle that is why I am very excited. The first time I played it, it was with director Soxie Topacio,” Urieta begins. “With Roobak, he wants me to show the emotional growth of Basilio. I always thought that he is just a confused juvenile. This time, audiences will see how he matures tremendously. Also, direk Roobak brings out the unlikely kinship between my character and Don Simoun which is portrayed by Roeder Camañag.”

“I love the role,” Alfred avers. “Basilio has been a part of my life. When I was still part of the ensemble, I dreamed of being given the chance to portray him. As I play him anew, I really want him to live, breathe, laugh, cry and love. I want him to be flesh and blood human, not just some black and white character. I will do every thing in my capacities as an actor so that the audiences remember him.”

Aside from Camañag, the production of El Fili gives Urieta the opportunity to work with Joe Gruta, one of the country’s most acclaimed character actors. Gruta is also a chartered member of Gantimpala.

“Working with Sir Joe is an honor. Every day, during rehearsals, up to this day that we are already on stage, I am star struck!” Alfred exclaims. “His very presence is quite inspiring. Theater is his vocation. When he goes on stage and becomes Padre Florentino, all I can say is wow! Performing with him is a dream come true.”

What can we expect from this season’s El Filibusterismo? “I think they will have a better understanding and appreciation of the novel after watching our play,” Alfred answers quickly. “We have some of the best actors giving life to very interesting characters. We are working very hard to deliver and give our audiences a great play. Watching El Fili is an experience that they will never forget.”

El Fili is set today, Nov. 13 and on Nov. 14, (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) at SM Southmall in Las Piñas; and Nov. 20, 21, 27 and 28 (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) at the AFP Theater in Quezon City.

For details, call 899-5745, 896-3503 or 998-5622.