AP Theatrix Presents: CAM-END-GO via ZOOM

Cam-End-Go

Artist Playground Theatrix

Low Batt

Glen Asaytona and Benj Espina (A),  Johnson Baronia and Brix Vargas (B), Bench Ortiz and Mikee Lim (C)

Blocked/Unblocked

Erwin Buenaventura and Shiela Espina (A), Star Alferez and Beaulah Saycon (B), Ayie Castro and Jesse Arenas (C)

Decline

Karl Mondejar, Joy Perez and Stefano Perez (A & B), Ethyl Osorio and Shao Racho (C)

Directed by:  Paul Jake Paule

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2020 is the year of the Metal Rat.  A year that foretold a story of much challenges that may caught you red-handed if not ready (based on my yearly tarot reading stint at Il Terrazo Mall).  Such is the case now that a pandemic is in our midst. 

Artist Playground has came out with a means to navigate around the need for social distancing and being safe yet still delivering theatrical production of a different medium; the launch of Artist Playground Theatrix.  First up is Cam End Go.  It is a 3-part story telling us of love lost, longing and moving on.  Three short pieces telling a story with three set of actors to boot (power of 3 ba ito?).  What is interesting in this presentation is how it was presented using ZOOM as a medium – something that became the norm in this time of Corona.  True that this might be the case now but it doesn’t mean the end of theater performances as AP- core Roeder Camanag has mentioned in his welcoming talk during the influencers screening night last June 26, 2020.  As a viewer, this is new medium and something worth looking into as means to keep the performing spirit burning and true.

I did mention 3 set of performers and let me say they all have different deliveries to the same line giving each set a different theme and weight that is both intriguing and satisfying depending on the viewers mood.  What do I mean?  Eto lang yun, ano ang mood mo now?  Kung feel mo kiligin at ngumisi sa simula at medyo may lungkot na saya sa dulo ay piliin mo ang Set C.  Kung feel mo ng heavy drama sa simula at dulo yet may gaan na masasabi sa gitna, select Set A.  Kung gusto mo ng warm-up yet may dating please select Set B.  Ganun lang yun.   Different takes for different folks. This is also touched with the PRIDE Month celebration, so enjoy.

What can I say about each set?  Honestly, ANG HIRAP MAGCOMMENTARY WITHOUT COMPARING ONE SET TO THE OTHER!  Lahat may strong points and delivery na noteworthy.  Like scene 2 (Block/Unblock) for example; Set A is a heterosexual approached on the piece but nakakaloka ang laro ni girl!  Hindi ko alam kung sino ang karma is served ang peg.  Isama mo pa ang shampoo commercial projection ni Shiela Espina sa character niya.  Set B and C are both PRIDE touched yet the delivery of the scene is so different in terms of maturity of the person in a relationship.  So, alin ang pipiliin mo?  At scene 2 palang yan,  may 2 parts pa.

Scene 3, Decline, is truly and honestly a good drama piece.  Both characters in this story arc tells you how longing and moving on works and moves in two opposing direction.  The delivery of Joy Perez (Set A & B) is a woman who is finally giving back all the pain that has bottled up inside her to her ex and as final blow – bye bye!  Ethyl Osorio (Set C) approached is more resigned.  More calm yet with hugot.  Eto yung pwede mong ma peg na blankong mukha pero may luha sa isang mata ang character attack.  Nakakaloka sila!  Parehong maganda ang delivery!  Maloloka din kayo sa kilay ni . . ..

Additional notes for Decline:  Karl Mondejar’s character and delivery is so nakakapaniwalang nagaganap.  That palo ng kamay – so true for gys who are frustrated in a situation when with their favorite toy/baby/mahal.  Isipin niyo na lang kung ano yung sinasabi kong toy/baby/mahal ni Karl.  Better yet, catch the airing in ZOOM.

Low Batt (scene 1), this is the make or break of things.  Why do I say so?  Again, it all depends on what your mood is prior to watching this airing.  Kung gusto mo ng audio drama ang effect, go for Set A.  Kung gusto mo matawa sa extra, please select Set B.  Kung ang hanap mo ay hindi inaasahang kilig, both visually and auditory, Set C ang iyo.  Eto ang moving on na hindi.  If you are looking for good package (usapang PRIDE) and audio effect that is so catchy yet not irritating then go for Set C.  You are warned. (witchy laugh insert) [Clue:  watch Bench Ortiz as he “play” around and Mikee Lim’s answering acts.  You will feel and chances are react similarly to the way I reacted while watching them (epekto ng sandosenang BL –Taiwanese and Thai films na pinanood nitong quarantine)]

Kudos goes to Paul Jake Paule!  I have seen him work as a director and noticed how he has grown in his craft in terms of actor selection, guide and vision.  He may still need some polishing but he is growing and that is the most important part of it all as a theater practitioner – growth.

Since this is still an exploration, Artist Playground still has room to expand on and literally play.  All it takes is a creative mind, a good pulse and someone who is aware that this is crossing lines of stage and film.  What is noteworthy here is the exploration of theater presentation using this informal platform.  The challenge . . .it is short.  Too short.  Best remedy for this is watching all 3 sets.  You hear the same lines but see different deliveries thus giving you a good dose of the possible new theater.