Someone asked me why am I so interested in theatre arts.
According to her it is not a manly thing.
I don't know where is she coming but as far as I remember there are men who are watching theatre arts. As far as I'm concerned, equally numbered with that of women watching.
But of course, we all know, there's no point in generalizing.
All I told her regarding her question is that she needs to extend the limits of her imagination so that men, like me, will be included.
Well, maybe it is usual that the guy you know will prefer to watch movie than to see play. Kanya kanyang trip lang yan.
For you to understand, it is really like hearing your favorite singer sing your favorite song live.
The feeling is like that, seeing your favorite story live.
Most of us loves story telling.
In a form of movie and sometimes in a form of gossip.
But I find it really amazing telling the stories through plays and musics.
So there, I guess that is why I watch plays.
I appreciate great talents.
No take twos, no director shouting cut but still can portray each character, in flesh.
I love poetry too, which seldom included in any movies but in theatre plays.
This interest in story telling thing and reading fiction started when I read Les Miserables. A compulsory reading back then.
I was so moved by the novel, I was a 15 year old student then.
I started to think I and my generation are lucky enough to live by the era where oppression like in the 1800s is not likely to happen. Us involving in a war is far from happening.
Accounts of history, i think, is well written in fiction novel. Of course the gist is fiction but the setting is taken from a piece of human history.
Then I saw a television special regarding Les Mis Musical. I was able to associate the songs from the snippet of the story I had in mind. I told myself I would watch a musical if I had the chance.
Back in college, i think year 2000, I was able to have a free ticket for the Romeo and Juliet play in RCBC. First time I saw play with a production, with the real theatre artists.
I was in awe with their talents. Being always tapped to play some characters way back in high school, I know it is not an easy task to act and express in front of an audience.
I don't dream of being a theatre actor, i just have much respect to them.
It is their passion, the love of acting that earns my respect and definitely it is not because of the money they get from it, otherwise they'll just go mainstream.
One thing I promised myself when I was still in college, if I have some money to spare, I'll be seeing musical plays/theatre plays that interests me.
So far, I've seen. RENT, The Music of Andrew Llyod Webber, The Wedding Singer, Peter Pan, Rock of Ages, Potted Potter and most recently, The Phantom of the Opera.
I've already missed CATS and Mama Mia because of the people who said they'll be coming but backed out too late that at the time i'm about to buy a ticket, it was already sold-out. So there, lessons learned. When you want to see a play, just buy a ticket without depending to other. It applies to life as well with "If you want something, do what you have got to do."
I'm still waiting for another Manila run of Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, and if ever a production of Wicked.
Being in love with this kind of arts, doesn't tell you anything but being 'cultured'.
Bleh!
