Perry Escaño in Martir sa Golgota

MANILA, Philippines -  The Mobile Theater Foundation (formerly Tanghalang Sta. Ana) stages its annual community theater tradition, Martir sa Golgota, a play based on the senakulo, this pre-Lenten season.  

 Martir sa Golgota is presented to the public in selected venues from Holy Monday to Black Saturday.

It has attracted celebrities and actors who perform pro bono.

The road to Cavalry is convoyed on the streets giving the audiences a closer encounter with Christ’s passion. Current social issues have become integral parts of the modern-day senakulo adding more relevance to the passion play.

Under the direction of Lou Veloso, Golgota features around 70 actors, mostly volunteer residents of Sta. Ana and invited TV, movie and stage personalities, one of them is character actor Perry Escaño,who plays the role of Pontius Pilate.

Perry is an actor for TV, theater, mainstream and independent films. He is also into film direction, his first short film Alibi is being presented in a touring film festival.

“This is my ninth year in doing the play. It has become my yearly vow,” says Perry. “This is my own little way of thanking God for all the blessings I received from Him. He gave me this genuine gift, this talent to act which hopefully, through my role, brings joy to others. Acting is my passion and I’m very happy and I’m extremely satisfied with whatever I have done so far. Thanks to Him, my projects have been continuous and constantly challenging.”

“Pilate was a governor and though I have performed this role previously, I make it a point to give a different interpretation,” he says of his character. “This time, I will flesh him out like a judge. I researched and read books about the personal characteristics of a judge who is in the middle of a controversial case. The trial of Christ was definitely controversial and Pilate did what he think was best, given the precarious situation.”

How is Lou Veloso as director? “He is one of the best theater directors of our time,” Perry replies. “Since he is also an actor, he knows how to motivate and bring out the best from his actors.”

He adds, “Yearly, he places some societal commentaries to the senakulo. He incorporates them, because he wants the audiences, aside from reflecting on the death and resurrection of Christ, to learn a thing or two. Topics on family, drugs, peace and order, the elections and the likes are all part of it.” 

In the nearest future, Perry hopes to portray Jesus Christ, “Being Christ is a dream role that every actor wants to portray. The role is very challenging, exciting, emotionally and physically daunting. If that happens, that is indeed a blessing from Him.”

Playing Jesus Christ this time are Al Gatmaitan and Jojo Riguerra.

Other cast members are Joe Gruta, Bodjie Pascua, Rita Iringan, Archi Adamos, Abel Napuran, Andy Bais, Don Umali, Arkin da Silva, Jojo Bolado, Mira Hipolito, CJ Mangahis, Roselle Buenaventura, Jeanette Queblatin, Heidi Arima, Ces Aldaba, Richard Manabat and the Manila Mobile Theater Foundation Actor’s company.

Performances are slated on March 22 at 7:30 p.m. and March 23, 3 p.m. at the CCP Little Theater; March 25, 7 p.m. at Tondo, Manila; March 26, 7 p.m. at Onyx, San Andres, Manila; March 27,  7 p.m. at Plaza Hugo, Sta. Ana, Manila; March 28, 7 p.m. at Concert at the Park, Luneta Park Manila; and March 29, 7 p.m., at Activity Center Pagsanjan, Laguna.

Perry concludes, “The senakulo is a religious experience, a tradition that we must continue to uphold. We must continue to do good things, instead of bad things. We must spread His love.”

For CCP performances, tickets are available at the TicketNet and the CCP Box-Office. For details, call 0917-6949627.