MANILA, Philippines - Atlantis Productions has secured the rights to stage a new version of the acclaimed play Piaf by Pam Gems in March 2013. The new version, staged at London’s prestigious Donmar Warehouse before a West End transfer in 2008, features a reworked version of Pam 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 celebrates 20 years of directing next year.
From the streets of Paris to worldwide fame, Edith Gassion (known to the world as “Piaf,” the sparrow) continues to be remembered and revered for her exceptional voice and extraordinary life.
Piaf marks the return to the stage of award-winning actress Pinky Amador, who celebrates her 30th year in the business next year. Last seen on stage in The Sound of Music, Pinky also recently appeared as Salvacion and Woman 2 in You Can Never Can Tell, a creative development project for Coloma Projects in Sydney, Australia. She has also performed internationally in the Original cast of the West End premiere of Miss Saigon, as Tiger Lily in the UK TOUR of Peter Pan, and as Kora in Images of Tiffin in London. She trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Pinky is excited to return to the stage in one of her dream roles. She says, “Next year, I celebrate 30 years of being on stage and in the business. I wanted to do a project, which celebrates my body of work, experience, training and knowledge with a tour-de force performance. It is also the first time I am working with Atlantis Productions, who will soon be celebrating their 15th year, and Bobby Garcia, who celebrates his 20th year directing next year. So, it is exciting on many fronts.”
Director Bobby Garcia says, “I have been obsessed with Edith Piaf, her life and music, for several years now. Her music speaks directly to me somehow and I have read every book there is about her. I am thrilled to finally work with Pinky Amador, an actress whom I have admired for many years. I am also excited to be able to work with this new version of Pam Gem’s Piaf, which I think will have an immediate connection with audiences.”
A full cast and creative team will be announced soon.
PIAF runs from March 8 to 23 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For show-buying and fundraising opportunities, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.