I usually don’t get starstruck by local (even foreign) artists, but every time I see Cherie Gil in person, it takes me a while to realize that I’m actually witnessing Ms. Cherie Gil in the flesh. She is forever etched in Philippine cinema with the immortal line, “You’re nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat!” She is an icon, one of the first bida-contrabida actresses in her own class, making her one of the most respected and sought-after thespians of today.
So due to insistent public demand, it’s no surprise that Terrence McNally’s play Master Class has its second Manila run after two years. Cherie reprises the role of the controversial opera singer Maria Callas, one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century.
Callas was a legendary diva whose artistry was only overshadowed by an allegedly temperamental character — one that led to feuds with opera management and rival singers — and the constant media attention on her jet-set life with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
SUPREME: How did you land the role of Maria Callas?
CHERIE GIL: Well, I believe the best person to answer this question is Michael Williams and Karla (Gutierrez). I remember doing The Sound of Music at The Repertory with Michael as my Capt. Von Trapp and during the interval in the dark corners of backstage, Michael was able to spot me with the help of my cigarette-burning red ember and there he proposed that I do it. In fact, Menchu (Lauchengco) was next to him agreeing to the idea and convincing me as well. I love and respect these two peeps a lot.
Any hesitations about taking the role?
Well, when I saw the script finally and realized how many lines I had to memorize and learn verbatim, right then and there I wanted to back out!
Playing a real person is different from creating a character from thin air. What kind of research did you do?
Oh, my! You can’t imagine how long I breathed, slept and lived Callas. I saw three different versions of her documentaries, read The Greek Fire (a book about her life and loves), scanned through numerous pages of her coffee table books whenever I would get a chance to find one, listened to her CDs especially that of the Master Class itself she gave at Juilliard and watched every bit of material I found on YouTube of her and anything connected to her and Master Class. Even the background of every opera she performed and why it meant so much to her. During the first run, I had all her pictures pasted on my wall in my bedroom. She sure kept me company during a very difficult and tumultuous time in my life (Cherie’s divorce from husband of 14 years, violinist Roni Rogoff). I think we kept each other company. Ha!
What do you find fascinating about Callas?
She is just bigger than life. She’s strong, feisty and fiery especially when it comes to her art. The discipline and passion she poured into it and yet how vulnerable she actually was when it came to matters of the heart, albeit secretly.
Which part of Cherie Gil do you recognize in Callas?
Hmmm... A lot! Her strength yet her vulnerability. I think it is important for an actor to be as emotional and vulnerable as she was only to be able to breathe such profound life into every role she portrayed. Not to mention the fact, that I, too, am kind of losing my voice! (Laughs.) Not because of all the beautiful bel cantos but for other unnecessary reasons that could have been very well avoided, I admit.
I spotted you hosting the Adobo mag event at Encore. How do you stay fit and looking hot? I mean, um, vibrant.
(Laughs.) Loving life and loving love itself. I make it a point to always find inspiration and passion in everything around and inside of me. Without that, I am dead.
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Is it also your first time? Come watch with us! Master Class will run at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza with performances from July 29 to 31; August 6, 7, 12, 13 (8 p.m.) and August 8 to 15 (3:30 p.m.).
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