Ima: Coming home brings joys, challenges

Award-winning pop singer and musical theater star Ima Castro will take to the stage once again in Atlantis Productions’ staging of Pam Gems’ critically-acclaimed play PIAF. The new version of the acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company play, staged at London’s prestigious Donmar Warehouse before a West End transfer in 2008, features a reworked version of Gems’ classic 1978 play and incorporates over 25 of Edith Piaf’s songs including La Vie En Rose, Hymn of Love and Non, Je Non Regrette Rien. PIAF will be directed by Bobby Garcia, who marks 20 years of directing this year.

Ima returned to Manila from London two years ago to star in Atlantis’ productions of Aida and In The Heights. She thrilled audiences last year with her performance of Sarraghina in Atlantis’ acclaimed production of Nine and will now appear in PIAF as Toine, Piaf’s best friend. PIAF, which also features Pinky Amador and Giselle Tongi-Walters, runs from March 8 to 23 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.

We caught up with Ima before she begins an intensive four-week rehearsal period for PIAF.

What has it been like being back in Manila for the last two years?

“Uprooting myself from a place that is very organized, fast-paced and strict in so many ways to a more laidback environment especially when I’m in my hometown has helped me relax and be less stressed out. I’ve made loads of adjustments because being away for 10 years is no joke. Last year, I started driving in Manila again and I was terrified! I had to relearn things and ways. But I refuse to be influenced and give in to ‘the negative Filipino ways,’ if you know what I mean. I’m a traveler so being in one place for a long time makes me very fidgety. But I’m very happy to be near my family especially my mom who needs 24/7 care. As for my social life…it’s easier to have that in this country as it’s way cheaper here than London. Painful realization witnessing first hand the poverty, corruption, natural disasters, crimes and many more problems and misfortunes of our country awakened a deeper level of unselfishness and responsibility as a human being and citizen of this country. I would definitely up my game to do more volunteer work for charity and NGOs.”

Do you miss your life in London?

“In many ways, yes. From being on-the-go all the time, walking miles in Central London or jogging in its beautiful parks to catching a bus and sitting on the upper deck right at the front (by the way, that’s the best way to see and know your way around London). Of course, watching musicals is on the list, as well as going to Soho/Chinatown for a grub or coffee with friends, going to weekend markets and antique shops and hosting parties at home inexpensively.”

Do you plan to return to London?

“Yes, later this year after fulfilling all my commitments work-wise but will definitely come back the soonest possible time.”

You have become one of the finest leading ladies in Philippine musical theater and now you are doing PIAF, where you don’t sing. Are you excited or nervous?

“I’ve been very blessed with so many projects with Atlantis and outside the theater world. Having been offered to be in a play is very daunting, but I’ve learned to welcome all the challenges that come my way, may it be at work or personal. I believe challenges and taking risks in life are key factors in a person’s growth and success and what a fantastic way to discover new things and capabilities you didn’t know you had.”

What attracted you to do PIAF?

“Firstly, I got to see PIAF at the Donmar Warehouse in London in 2008 as two of my dearest friends were in it. I was so proud to know they were in that brilliant production and Elena Roger as Edith Piaf was fantastic! I’m so looking forward to work with the amazing Pinky Amador and the rest of the cast whom I will be working with for the first time apart from Altair Alonso who was in In The Heights with me.”

What can audiences expect from PIAF?

“A lot of swearing, French songs, a lot of information as to how the iconic French singer lived her life before she became famous and her addiction to quite a few things including men. The audience will see how heartbreaking the events in her life were and that even those who are powerful, famous and rich go through terrible pain as ordinary people do. It’s a beautiful piece of theater for mature audiences.”

What advice can you give all the Miss Saigon hopefuls waiting to hear if they have made it into the show?

“It’s an advantage to know the music by heart. The show is very challenging and demanding physically, mentally, emotionally and vocally, so I believe building up stamina and endurance to prepare yourself to do eight shows a week for 12 months or more would be an even bigger advantage. If you make it in the show, be open-minded and don’t get intimidated or shy to ask the creative team questions regarding the role you will be portraying, may it be a principal role or not. Watch films about the Vietnam War. To those who don’t make it this time, just continue honing your craft and never give up. There is always the right time for everything and everyone who have goals in life. Dream big! Aim high!”

You had one week to learn the part of Kim the first time you went on. What was that experience like?

“It was the scariest time in my life. Don’t get me wrong — it has always been my dream to be Kim in Miss Saigon, but knowing in the back of my head that my first performance would be the very first time I’d be doing the show with the orchestra and the cast in costume and the lights, with the main theater of CCP packed with people who had spent loads of money to see the show was daunting…I was trembling and sweating the entire show. But I was very blessed to have had the support of the company and the team who had been responsible in making it happen for me — direk Bobby Garcia and Dong Alegre — I’m forever grateful.”

What is it about the stage that you enjoy?

“Before going on stage, it is the rehearsal process. It’s the time to get to know your co-actors and of course, to get to know the roles and characters in the show and the story in its entirety. It’s amazing to learn from other actors and the creative team by watching and simply observing them do their work. The things I learn from the process of putting up a show are priceless. It’s like watching a master class and get paid to do it. I love it!”

What are your dream roles?

“The ultimate female dream role for me I believe already became a reality; I’ve been fortunate to have played Kim for four years. So that’s the top of my list done! The next one is Elphaba in Wicked. I also dream of portraying someone who kicks ass may it be on stage or in film.”