Baron Geisler finds a second chance in theater

"Mas kinabahan ako dito kesa sa laban namin ni Kiko Matos," actor Baron Geisler revealed when asked about his first foray in the theater stage.

He would make his theater debut through the Tanghalang Pilipino's "Aurelio Sedisyoso," an original rock sarswela based on the life of Aurelio Tolentino, a Filipino playwright and dramatist. He would be playing the role of Tikbalang/Amerikano. 

Upon the suggestion of his discoverer, the actor decided to try theater and auditioned for a part in the production. The controversial actor shared that during that time he was depressed because of his mother's passing. He was contemplating on moving on when the suggestion came. He auditioned twice before he got a callback from the theater company. 

At first, after getting the call, Baron admitted that he felt somewhat arrogant. "I was very confident that I could do it. I thought it was a straight play, but it was actually a musical. Working with these great, amazing actors, it really humbled me. God put me in my place and said: 'Baron, you're not a great of an actor after all.' I'm learning right now. I'm trying to be a sponge right now. Dati, akala ko andami ko ng alam. But nung nagstart na kami magrehearse, I have so much to learn. Ang daming magagaling na actor, so nakakapressure."

While he is quite nervous about his stage debut, Baron expressed his commitment to see this production through. "I'm not really a singer so it is kind of hard for me. But I'm very focused right now. I'm committed. I'm not here to fail. Lalaban ako."

Apart from daily rehearsals for the "Aurelio Sedisyoso," Baron is busy filming the movie "Right To Kill," directed by Brillante Ma Mendoza. 

"With TV and film, balwarte ko 'yun. When I'm at the set of 'Right To Kill,' I'm very relaxed because I know what I'm doing. But with theater, iba ang disiplina dito. Here, I always second-guess myself, which is a big no-no. It made me fell in love with the craft again."

Catch Baron in "Aurelio Sedisyoso," which will run from September 1 to 17 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). This theater was named in honor of the Filipino playwright, whose 150th birth anniversary is this year. It stars actor David Ezra in the title role.

Hailed from Guagua,Pampanga, Tolentino co-founded Teatro Porvenir, along with Andres Bonifacio and Macario Sakay. The theater company, which means "theater of tomorrow," became the meeting ground for the different fathers of the Filipino war for independence. Through the plays they produced, they showed their patriotic and nationalistic sentiment. 

When his famous play "Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas" was staged, Tolentino was arrested for sedition and rebellion since the script called for tearing of the American flag. Tolentino was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12,1898. 

The rock sarswela, which will be directed by Chris Millado, based on the script by Nicanor Tiongson, is part of the Tanghalang Pilipino's 31st theater season. Following the theme "Freedom Writers: Freedom Fighters," the latest season features four productions that embrace what the theater company stands for - utak, puso and bayan. 

After opening with "Aurelio Sedisyoso," the theater company moves on with "Ang Pag-uusig," a play based on Arthur Miller's The Crucible. Directed by Dennis Marasigan, with translation by Jerry Respeto, the play dramatizes how the establishment is used as a tool of the powerful few in exerting its force to condemn the innocent. It will run from September 29 to October 22 at Tanghalang Huseng Batute. 

"Nang Dalawin ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad," meanwhile, is based on Nick Joaquin's story on why Maria Makiling forever nurses a broken heart, and why Juan Tamad is a pop idol. Directed by Ed Lacson Jr., with stage adaptation by Rody Vera, this is a mashup love triangle amonng Maria Makiling, Juan Tamad and Monte Banahaw. Catch it on December 1 to 17 at the Little Theater. 

The season will close with "Walang Aray," a contemporary comical version of Severino Reyes' "Walang Sugat," on February 16 to March 11, 2018, also at Little Theater. The original material was written during the Spanish occupation, the time when zarzuela became a potent means of expressing Filipino nationalism.