PLAYFEST '10

One of the most challenging events this year, probably for my whole high school life here. This year, we staged Esther for our CAE play and we did the 3rd part of Florante at Laura . I was supposed to appear once in the first scene for Esther, but I was told by our directress to ad-lib twice, both in the scenes before a feast. It took them a long time to change the props and stuff, plus the villagers backstage did not appear downstage to ad-lib themselves. Since Lisa and I had a villager costume already, we went up the stage, totally unprepared. Gosh, was I shaking uncontrollably up there! I had to begin the ad-libbing, not sure of what to say or where it would lead to. At one point, my head went blank. I couldn't think of anything else to say anymore. And then, the unexpected happened. Claire and Nicholai,both from Anastasia,came up the stage with their Russian-style costume and ad-libbed with us! What a surprise that was. I tried to hide my amusement as I, a Persian villager, chatted with the Dowager Empress of Russia and her granddaughter, the young Anastasia. Well, the center curtains opened, much to my relief, and so Lisa, Claire, Nicholai and I went down back to the audience. I thought that was the last time I had to ad-lib. I thought . The last scene took a long time to be prepared. I don't know what had happened backstage. But all I know is that I had to ad-lib once again. The same rush of nervousness came over me again. But eventually, the center curtains opened once again. Those were not the only unforgettable things that took place. About, two days or the day before the final play, the files on the USB that contained the final arrangement of our music got corrupted. Meaning, all our files were gone. I had no explanation as to why that happened but I know that it was my fault. So, Marion and I painstakingly looked for a way to retrieve the files on the day before the play. Since no computer expert helped us, we decided on a Plan B, which was to make a new playlist. Marion had back-up files at home, but it lacked an important song. Well, the night before the play, Marion everything she could and the next day, the moment of truth, I had the job of rearranging the songs according to the script. It was tough. Some songs were hard to find, the script lacked songs that are needed and I still had to change put make-up on. Well, I managed to finish the whole playlist and prayed not to have it all mixed up for the nth time. The music during the play had some minor mistakes. but it was alright.

A lot of unexpected things happened during our CAE play, but all those things happened for a reason. We just have to find those out.

Well, CAE was tough but CAF was a totally different adventure. I was the Stage Manager and a soldier to Adolfo. Actually, I never wanted to be Stage Manager, because first of all, I would have to replace anyone who would be absent. And I know what kind of stress that would put me into, pacing around, hoping that nobody would get sick or something, since I was also the Stage Manager last year. The dance partner of Don Juan called in sick on the day of the play of Ibong Adarna. I had no other choice but to replace her, though I was faced with two problems: One, I didn't know the steps nor the formations, and two, I didn't have shoes. We were already at the backstage when I was told of this. The dress was delivered and eventually, Ms. Bena got hold of someone's heels. So I had to practice the entire dance routine in less than 5 minutes since we were scheduled to start then. During the dance, I swore I tripped as I attempted to twirl in those heels. I'm not used to dancing in heels because first of all: I don't wear high-heeled sandals and second: why the HELL would I dance around in those torture chambers they call shoes?

So,back to the present, I never really wanted that to happen again. So that's why I wanted to be the Production Manager for the 2nd year CAF play. Well, the intended Stage Manager didn't want to so I was convinced to be the Stage Manager since I already have 'experience'. Well, I clearly regretted the moment I said 'yes' to the part. So there I was, spending those days worrying about the health of my classmates. I didn't want them to get sick on the day of the play. Nooo. During the midst of our practices, we had some problems and then I was told to replace the soldier of the villain, Adolfo. I never had a guy role before. This was entirely new to me, having someone draw a mustache and a beard on my face. That tickled, seriously. During the TDR, there was a problem with the blindfold Adolfo was trying to tie around Laura's head. I was in that scene too. So, our Adolfo, Jessica, ad-libbed some stuff about me as her kawal, ordering me to tie it properly. I didn't say anything. I don't know how to ad-lib in Filipino and you bet I don't dare to, for I fear that it would sound horrible. During the final play, nobody was absent, Thank God for that, and I was dead-scared of committing a mistake while I'm on stage. Well, there was a mistake that was not planned well. You see, I was supposed to bring the blindfolded Laura to the woods, which meant I had to bring her from the stage, down to the audience, and back up on the stage. Problem was, our Laura, Louise, had a long gown, wore heels and was blindfolded. There was no way I could lead her down the steps without her tripping. I had to quickly change route on the day of the play. I think it turned out well, nobody thought of it as a mistake other than those who know the real choreography. Well, I also had a great time during the CAF play because we had a great impact on the audience. From the Introduction down to the Ending, we've heard claps,howls,gasps,screams,oohs,ahhs, and a lot more in response to the scenes, much to our surprise. It was truly successful for us.

Both plays were successful in its own right. It was truly another great experience for me that I'm sure I'll never forget. :)