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FAMAS Best Actor and award-winning producer Alfred Vargas shared his foray into Filipino theater, venturing into live performances under his production outfit, Alternative Vision Cinema, and co-producing the prestigious Tanghalang Ateneo's newest play, Mga Multo.

“As a Tanghalang Ateneo or TA alumnus, it brings me great pride to co-produce one of its classics. Watching the scenes and acts unfold and the stellar performances of the theater actors brings me back to my Ateneo days. My love for theater is still very much alive and this is my way of giving back and promoting Ateneo talent,” said Alfred Vargas.

Alfred, who has appeared in such Kapuso series as Legal Wives (2021), Unica Hija (2022), and Arabella (2023), added that what makes this play special for him was the opportunity to work with some of the people he admires.

“Directing this play is Ron Capinding, my Filipino teacher in Ateneo High School and one of my mentors in theater. For me and many others, he is one of the greatest actors in Philippine theater. He is the protege of none other than the late luminary Ricky Abad."

The cast of 'Mga Multo' (from left to right): Yan Yuzon, Miren Alvarez-Fabregas, Joseph Dela Cruz, Sabrina Basilio, and Mark Aranal | Photo courtesy of Reamur David and Zoe Tababa

Mga Multo showcases the mesmerizing performances of Miren Alvarez-Fabregas and Yan Yuzon, thespian legends that Alfred himself had acted alongside with during his TA days. Joseph Dela Cruz, Mark Aranal, and Sabrina Basilio, all seasoned and veteran actors from the organization's alumni, complete the exceptional ensemble.

Mga Multo takes the audience to see the life of Senyora Alvino (Alvarez-Fabregas) as she attempts to establish an orphanage to honor her late husband's memory. The return of her son Oswaldo (Yuzon) from abroad, however, sets off a chain of revelations and long-buried secrets are exposed--haunting the captivating Gino Gonzales-designed set.

“The audience for theater had become noticeably larger as Filipino pop culture gravitates towards live performances. More and more people are enjoying the different experiential encounter brought by seeing actors perform live. In a play, mas dama mo ang lahat ng emosyon, aral, at artistry kasi sa harap mo talaga nangyayari live; kaya hindi nakakapagtakang bumabalik na ang mga tao sa entablado (you feel all the emotions, insights, and artistry because everything unfolds live in front of you; that's why it's not surprising that people are returning to see the stage),” Vargas shared.

For the seasoned actor, producer, and public servant, Mga Multo is a milestone for Alternative Vision Cinema, which has previously produced only movies, but the move was “easy, smooth, and seamless” because of the hardworking and efficient Tanghalang Ateneo production members.

“After the critical acclaim we received from Pieta, which included our National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor, Direk Gina Alajar, and the late Jaclyn Jose, we felt that entering live performances will expand our creative horizons. I am thankful to Tanghalang Ateneo and our co-producer Roleplayer, Inc. for helping me pave this new path for us,” Vargas added.

In case you didn't know, Alternative Vision Cinema's Pieta recently received 13 nominations in the PMPC Star Awards.

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A post shared by Alfred Vargas (@alfredvargasofficial)

Asked if he intends to return as a theater actor soon, Alfred said that he is not closing his doors to the idea and, one day, he may once again rekindle his love for acting on stage.

“Acting on stage is a very challenging discipline. It requires a lot of time and dedication, but Mga Multo has been inspiring as a producer and artist. It is a way of returning to my roots. I know that I would not be who I am today, if it were not for Tanghalang Ateneo,” he shared.

"This partnership is only the start of many productions in live performances that will share Alternative Vision Cinema's love for the arts and belief in the brillance of Filipino talent. After all, 'sapientia' and 'eloquentia'--as TA puts it--brings humanity closer, transforming us as truly men and women for others,” Vargas added.

"Mga Multo" opened its limited 10-show run last June 28 and will run until July 7, 2024 at the Doreen Black Box Theater in Areté, Ateneo de Manila University. Matinee shows will be at 3:00 p.m. on July 6 and 7, while evening shows will be at 7:00 p.m. on all show dates. Tickets are available for purchase online via https://bit.ly/MgaMultoTickets.

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