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Fil-Ams stage modern take of Jose Rizal's 'Noli Me Tangere' in play #DON'T
As part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, the Menzies Talent and KMM Ventures LLC, an independent film production company that aims to promote Filipino-American visibility in Hollywood, is staging the play "Hashtag Don't" (#DON'T), a modern-day adaptation of Dr. Jose Rizal's classic novel, "Noli Me Tangere."
Created, written, and executive produced by Mike Talplacido and directed by Randal Kamradt, Jr., the play, which opened recently to sold-out audiences, coincided with the Philippine Independence Day celebration and Rizal's birthday.
To be staged until June 25 at the McCadden Place Theatre in Los Angeles, the modern play features Marco Misa Torres (Don Santiago), Casey Estorqué (Cris Ibarra), Arianna Basco (Sisa), Mark Labella (Governor Damasco), Garth Garcia (Pedro), Cynthia San Luis (Maria Clara), Julian Bataclan (Governor Sibyla), Camille Aragon (Victorian), Vincent Eclavea, Jr. (Basilio), Jefferson Carvey (Crispin), Shekinah Austria (Jessica Ressa), Anne Marie Iniguez (Yaya Isabel), Rommel Rojas (Professor Tasio), Boy Rose (Bulldog), and Rhandy Torres (Don Rafael).
We were able to interview by email three of the lead actors in the play—Arianna Basco (Sisa), Casey Estorque (Cris Ibarra), and Marco Torres (Don Santiago).
Arianna or Lady Basco is a member of the famous Basco acting family. She co-wrote and co-starred in "The Fabulous Filipino Brothers" film, now out on Hulu, directed by her brother, Dante Basco. Arianna and her family were recognized by the State of California, City of Artesia and Cerritos, and were named "The First Filipino Entertainment Family" by the City of Los Angeles.
Casey, meanwhile, brings 13 years of acting experience and extensive training to her portrayal of Cris. She has showcased her range in numerous television, film, and commercial roles. With a master's degree in psychology from Columbia University, Casey brings a unique depth to her work. She is thrilled to be in a Filipino-led production and looks forward to her upcoming film projects.
Marco took formal acting training with the Meisner Center, the Strasberg Institute, and the Groundlings School. He has appeared in films, commercials and music videos that have been shown on Netflix, HBO and Disney productions. A member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Marco is extremely grateful to be cast in this modern-day adaptation of Jose Rizal's iconic novel and considers this foray into live theater as an exciting new milestone.
Below are our interviews.
What made you join the play? What is it about the play that interested you to be a part of it?
Arianna Basco (AB): When Randal reached out to me about the project, I couldn't turn it down. To be part of such a wonderful all-Filipinx cast in an adaptation of Jose Rizal's work at the Hollywood Fringe Festival was too important to pass up. And then when I read the script, I loved its relevance to today's current climate.
Marco Torres (MT): Last year, I participated in a reading of the first few acts of #DON'T so I have an idea of how gripping it is. That said, it didn't take much to get involved with the project. I have a plethora of reasons. Here are just three:
First, it's an opportunity for me to work with some of the most amazingly talented Filipino Americans in Hollywood. Second, as a proud and patriotic Filipino, it would be a huge honor to participate in an endeavor in a foreign land that promotes our culture, history and values. Finally, as an actor in Hollywood trained mostly in film, I want to experience the stage where the art all started. I'm excited to perform in front of a live audience where I can gauge their reactions. The idea is quite nerve-wracking, but I will never really grow as an actor unless I push boundaries and tread uncharted territories.
Casey Estorque (CE): For me, #DON'T presents the unique and invaluable opportunity to showcase a legendary Filipino story in a more modern and empowering adaptation. As a Filipina American from Texas, I have encountered very few projects that offer a platform for Filipino voices. In fact, during the table read, I had a moment of awe as I realized that this was my first time acting with fellow Filipinos - despite having been acting for over a decade.
So, I am incredibly grateful to work alongside those who are also passionate about sharing the Filipino experience with a broader audience. Being a part of this play gives me the opportunity to merge my love of acting with a greater purpose. It allows me to contribute to the visibility of Filipino narratives, raise awareness about social justice issues, and be a part of a production that empowers diverse voices within the Filipino community.
Have you worked with each other before? How was the experience working with each other? The director?
AB: I worked with Randal and Malou on their film "Voices," currently in post-production, and they were lovely. I even had the pleasure of sharing the screen with their daughter. Although it was a quick cameo, I could tell they were ambitious, talented, visionary artists that I'd want to work with in the future. And then #DON'T, by Mike Talplacido, manifested.
MT: Oh yes, I've worked with many of the other cast members. Interestingly, three of them have played my kids before in previous film and theater projects: Camille Aragon was my daughter in "The Perfect Couple" film, Jefferson Carvey was my son in "To Ken with Love" film and Julian Bataclan was my son in "At It Again," a play.
They're all very promising and talented Fil-Am actors. Best of all, this is my third time to be working with the show's extremely talented director/writer/producer Mike Talplacido. It's an honor to work with a creative genius who churns out outstanding scripts and performances like they were the most natural thing.
I'm really proud that we've collaborated several times. Here, they say that when a filmmaker repeatedly works with you, it's because you're professional, dependable and able to deliver the goods, which in this case would be an authentic, credible performance. Hopefully, I'll get there by opening night.
CE: It's my first time working with this incredible team, and I am so grateful that they have welcomed me with open arms! From the very first meeting, what struck me was the supportive and collaborative nature of this group. During our table read, Mark Labella ("Governor Damaso") shared the following quote, "a rising tide lifts all boats." Our team truly embodies that attitude in our commitment to uplift one another and the Filipino community as a whole. I hope this is just the beginning of a fruitful working relationship and friendship with everyone in the #DON'T family.
Please tell us more about your character and what it is about your character that you empathize with.
AB: I'm a single mother of two and there isn't anything that I wouldn't do for my children. Sisa feels like an army of one fighting for her kids, I know what that feels like. Sisa is fighting a system that is wrought with lies and corruption. I've been there both personally and as a Pinay growing up in America.
Sisa has lost so much while trying to do everything right - I know what it feels like to be defeated by this life. To lose the most treasured things and people. Ideas and values. With Sisa, you're dealing with someone who is called upon to rearrange, reprogram, and recondition her entire belief system out of necessity for what is right and just.
Just like Sisa, I believe in justice. But I'm also pretty rational and ethical, wanting to do right by people, and do things the right way. In this rendition of this play, Sisa discovers her strength. She puts her faith in a system, realizing the system does not serve her, thereby taking matters into her own hands. Hers is a journey of finding her people to dismantle the current system to get justice for her son.
MT: I find Don Santiago to be very fascinating and complex. I believe everyone will be just as awed with him. I've always wondered what the lure of wealth and power can do to me. Will I be able to stay honest when seduced by wealth? Will I be able to resist the lust for power?
Tackling this role has allowed me to ponder on those thoughts from someone else's perspective –Don Santiago's. So even though unjustifiable, I somehow have a better understanding of why many succumb to greed. Now, whether his actions are justifiable or not, I guess you'll have to come and see the play to judge for yourself.
CE: I play Cris Ibarra, a modernized adaptation of Noli Me Tangere's Crisóstomo Ibarra. Cris left the Philippines to pursue higher education, but her father's death sent her back to Manila. Upon her return, she quickly discovers lies and deceit surrounding her father's passing. This prompts her to investigate further and, in doing so, she uncovers far more than she originally intended.
Part of what drew me to this role is how much I resonate with Cris! The profound empathy I feel for Cris starts with our shared curiosity and passion for learning, which led us both to leave home to pursue graduate-level degrees. And, like Cris, I am deeply disturbed by the destructive self-interest and corruption that undermine the greater good. The combination of these shared qualities fuels a mutual passion for using education to expose injustice, uplift our communities, and advocate for social justice.
What challenges have you encountered while doing the play and how did you handle them?
AB: In all honesty - I don't speak Tagalog. As soon as I accepted the role, I made sure to start coaching the next day with Miralee (Menzies). That was an intense, challenging, beautiful journey within itself and I'm so grateful for her patience and love throughout.
MT: Many of us here in LA are trained as film and TV actors. "Subtle" is a word you always encounter on set, in breakdowns and auditions. This is theater though and we need to do things a little bigger and louder while still "behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances." Under the helm of filmmaker Randal Kamradt, our director, I'm confident we'll find that sweet spot come opening night. Additionally, the theater also requires a lot of rehearsal time and that can be tough on my schedule.
CE: I'll tell you a secret—my last stage production was a high school play, and I was a very minor character! My acting training and career have been tailored to on-camera productions like film, television, and commercial projects. While it may not be obvious, there are significant differences between stage and screen acting. So, the challenge of adapting to stage acting has been an exciting opportunity to diversify and grow my skill set.
What do you think audiences will get out of watching the play?
AB: I hope they watch it and forget this is a Filipinx story. That the actors are all Filipinx. That the production team is all Filipinx. I hope they see artists doing their work. I hope they are moved and so locked into the story they see the correlation with our current climate. I hope that it inspires them to disrupt the injustices within their reach. To have faith that their reach is, in fact, greater than they even believe it is. And then, almost as a cherry on top—oh yeah, that play #DON'T. That production. That story. Those Filipinos are a tribe to be reckoned with.
MT: They will have a full experience. If we did justice to Mike's work, then they would have had a full 50 minutes of provocation, laughter and tears. Best of all, a dive into Philippine history and culture, learning about the work of our esteemed national hero, in a most interesting way.
CE: Audiences will be immersed in the vibrant tapestry of Filipino traditions, customs, and values. Attending this production is an incredible opportunity to experience our rich Filipino culture while exercising allyship with the Filipino community. (Remember, allyship doesn't expire once AAPI Heritage Month is over, y'all!) Furthermore, this narrative will provide a window into the challenges and triumphs that Filipinos face, showcasing our resilience and resourcefulness.
Additionally, this production will spark a dialogue around themes that transcend cultural boundaries, such as betrayal, grief, and love. #DON'T will invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences, emotions, and relationships, fostering a connection that goes beyond cultural specifics.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
