Filipino play to be shown in Hollywood for the first time
By Karen Valeza | Yahoo!
Southeast Asia Newsroom
12 October 2011
Bernardo Bernardo (Screen grab from Kababayan LA telecast)
For the first time, a Filipino play will be shown in Hollywood.
“Ang Romansa ni Magno Rubio” kicks off the winter season of the prestigious Ford Theater this November.
The play is the Filipino adaptation of Lonnie Carter’s “The Romance of Magno Rubio.” It is based on writer Carlos Bulosan’s story.
“Magno Rubio” is the first Filipino play with Filipino actors to be shown on mainstream Hollywood stage. It tells the story of Filipino immigrants in the `30s.
Veteran actor Bernardo Bernardo, who also performed in the 2004 “Magno Rubio” translated and directed the current version. Bernardo has been based in the US for years.
Important cultural event
“This is probably one of the more important American cultural events in Los Angeles this year. Ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na ang isang play is in Filipino and English, and on mainstream theater," Bernardo said in an interview with “Bandila.”
He added that this play opens opportunities for Filipinos to be more recognized and heard. It will also depict the Filipinos’ history in the US.
A chance to be heard
“Parang all of a sudden, nagkaroon ng pagkakataon, nagkaroon ng puwang para marinig ang boses ng Pilipino, makita ang mukha ng Pilipino, malaman ang kanyang kasaysayan," he added.
The play will run for six weeks starting November 4 and will have five performances per week. It also has an English version.
Jon Jon Briones, whose credentials include “Miss Saigon” and “Sons of Anarchy ” will play the title role in the Filipino and English versions. Jon Jon said this project is very special and close to his heart.
“The story's very timely. It's about forgiveness, understanding, love, rising above hardships, and the strength of the human spirit,” he explained.
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