Alfred Vargas’ Alternative Vision Cinema ventures into live theater
Award-winning producer and FAMAS Best Actor Alfred Vargas has expanded his creative horizons by delving into Filipino theater. His production company, Alternative Vision Cinema, is now co-producing 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,” Vargas shared.
“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 protégé of none other than the late luminary Ricky Abad,” Vargas added.
Director Ron Capinding
Vargas emphasized that “Mga Multo” highlights the spellbinding performances of Miren Alvarez-Fabregas and Yan Yuzon, both of whom he worked with during his time at TA. The play also features seasoned actors Joseph Dela Cruz, Mark Aranal, and Sabrina Basilio, all notable alumni of the organization.
“Mga Multo” unfolds the story of Senyora Alvino (Alverez-Fabregas), who seeks to establish an orphanage to honor her late husband’s memory. Her son Oswaldo’s (Yuzon) return from abroad triggers a series of revelations, exposing long-buried secrets against the backdrop of a haunting 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 Alternative Vision Cinema, “Mga Multo” marks a significant milestone as it ventures into live performances. Vargas praised the hardworking Tanghalang Ateneo production members for making the transition “easy, smooth, and seamless.”
“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. Alternative Vision Cinema’s “Pieta” recently received 13 nominations in the PMPC Star Awards.
When asked about a potential return to theater acting, Vargas did not rule out the possibility. He expressed a deep appreciation for the discipline required in stage acting and the inspiration he draws from producing “Mga Multo.”
“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,” Vargas 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 brilliance 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” began its limited ten-show run on June 28 and will continue until July 7, 2024, at the Doreen Black Box Theater in Areté, Ateneo de Manila University. Matinee shows are scheduled for 3:00 PM on July 6-7, while evening shows will take place at 7:00 PM on all show dates. Tickets are available for purchase online via https://bit.ly/MgaMultoTickets.
