‘His reputation as Philippine theater’s enfant terrible is a badge of honor, reflecting his fearless approach to art.’
Guelan Luarca’s decision to restage “Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” is timely, given its 75th anniversary and the film version’s 60th anniversary.
Nick Joaquin’s play remains a cornerstone of Philippine theatrical and literary history. The play’s themes of clinging to the past, the pursuit of beauty and poetry, and the desire to escape are universally relatable, especially in today’s world, which often feels on the brink of catastrophe. By reinterpreting the play, Luarca aims to highlight these timeless concerns and Joaquin’s prophetic voice.
Guelan explains, “‘Portrait’ as Joaquin’s play is just simply one of the most — if not the most — important plays in Philippine theatrical and literary history. It so evocatively captures the condition of being a Manileño, the pining for an irretrievable past, a faded glory, a nostalgia for a Philippines in our imaginations, whether we lived it or not. nd it’s a kind of grief that’s looking ahead at impending destruction: the sisters and their dying father celebrating the La Naval a few months before bombs would obliterate whatever little is left of this old Manila.
“This new adaptation heightens this foreboding — we’re always at the brink of another catastrophe — another world war, a storm, economic disaster, Trump and fascism, Mother Nature wiping us out, or just the debilitating thought of thousands of innocent lives — children! — suffering and being starved and murdered in Gaza (free Palestine!!!). We’re all kind of like Paula and Candida at this point. Stubbornly holding on to the past, to beauty, to poetry, contra mundum. At the same time, we’re also Tony, just trying to grab the nearest opportunity to get away, to escape. Joaquin is a Filipino psalmist and prophet — he’s sung and lamented for all of us.”
In the forefront of the play are accomplished theater artists Gab Pangilinan as Paula and Delphine Buencamino as Candida.
Guelan elaborates on his choice of actors: “I work with actors I love and admire and respect. I’ve worked with Delphine many times as a choreographer and actor. Simply one of the best in Manila theater. Such a strong, stable presence on stage, generous and uncompromising. Gab, on the other hand — it’s our first time working together. But I’ve been a fan of her work as a performer. But more than her talent is her work ethic and personality — disciplined, rigorous, forged by years of ensemble work in musicals, now turned into one of the most reliable lead actors. But also easy-going, a bright presence in the rehearsal room. These two are so naturally talented, fiercely intelligent and sensitive, but also a pure delight to work with. I can laugh with them and make jokes in the middle of intense rehearsals. But I’d just like to add that aside from these two, I’m also working with some of the strongest cast a director could ever ask for. A varied, dynamic ensemble serving as a Greek chorus of sorts. I’m just on cloud nine with this cast. I love actors who can ride along with my unserious approach to serious theater-making.”
To those who are familiar or even deeply in love with Joaquin’s original, Guelan hopes they keep an open mind with “Quomodo Desolata Es.” This is a deconstruction of the text, meaning an interpretation that’s designed to question the original’s assertions, to shake off all our baggage and assumptions about the work and aim to see it in a different light.
“To those who are coming into it without having read or watched the original — enjoy. I hope you find meaning in the work,” said Guelan.
“Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati” will be on stage on August 8, 14, 15 (7:30 PM), August 9, 10, 16, 17 (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) at the Hyundai Hall, Soledad V Pangilinan Arts Wing, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.
Aside from Gab and Delphine, the play also stars Omar Uddin, Brian Sy, Vino Mabalot, Maita Ponce, Mika Regis, Jethro Tenorio, Meyanne Plamenio-Cortezano , Rafael Jimenez, Jason Sanchez , JJ Ignacio, Roldine Ebrada, Chantei Cortez. The artistic team is composed of Dr. Jerry Respeto for translation, Guelan Varela-Luarca for adaptation and direction, choreography by Ronelson Yadao, Dramaturgy by Gian Carlo Abrahan , set and props by D Cortezano, music by Matthew Chang, intimacy direction by Missy Maramara and graphic design by Jed Descutido.
“Quomodo Desolata Es?” stands as a bold reimagining of Joaquin’s classic and a testament to Guelan Luarca’s fearless artistic vision and unrelenting commitment to Philippine theater. In an era where compromise often trumps conviction, Luarca’s commitment to bringing new perspectives to timeless classics is a rarity. His reputation as Philippine theater’s enfant terrible is a badge of honor, reflecting his fearless approach to art.
