Three more women take on TVM

The Vagina Monologues, produced by the New Voice Company, has had several incarnations over the past two years: Multiple sold out shows in Manila, Hong Kong and Cebu; runs in Singapore, Dumaguete, IloIlo; special shows for Congress and the Senate. A box office and critical success, nine actresses later and the show keeps going on.

There are many reasons why this production has endured. One may cite the powerful and relevant theme of empowerment for women. One can talk about Eve Ensler’s brilliant writing. Others might point out that the most important aspect of the show is that it puts its money where its mouth is – literally. That every time it is produced, a significant percentage of the proceeds goes to an organization dedicated to the protection and safety of Filipina women and children, the Purple Rose Campaign. The list of reasons to keep this show running goes on and on.

And here, in alphabetical order, are three very exciting new reasons.

Angel Aquino. Sheila Francisco. Belinda Panelo.Three women from diverse personal and artstic backgrounds, each bringing their unique talent to give life to these monologues. This, indeed, is an eclectic trio.

Angel Aquino, known mostly as a successful commercial model, host and TV and film actress, made her stage debut in grand fashion last February. She delivered the monologue about a Bosnian rape victim during this year’s VDAY celebration at the Folk Arts Theater. Unintimidated by the presence of theater legends whom she shared the stage with on that particular night, she gave a touching, sensitive performance. Author Eve Ensler was moved, even telling NVC artistic director Monique Wilson that she, in all these years, had never seen that monologue delivered that way before.

Sheila Francisco is well know in the local theater industry, having significant roles in various productions. Most of her performances showcased her tremendous telent as a vocalist. Most recently, she was hand picked by one of the world’s most celebrated directors’ Trevor Nunn, to play Bloody Mary in the National Theater production of South Pacific. The National Theater is one of England’s most prestigious theater companies. Belinda Paanelo has twice graced the NVC stage with appearances in the past two VDAY celebrations, helping raise money for Filipina women’s causes. What most people don’t know about this mode, host, TV and film actress and MTV VJ is that she has her roots in theater. (We in the theater community now officially reclaim her as one of our own.) Belinda spent the past summer in New York at the NY Film Academy taking a variety of classes in order to hone her craft.

Three excellent actresses are excellent reasons to stage TVM again. But more than their alluring personalities and impressive resumes, the most exiting and intriguing aspect of their involvement is their courage.

I admire their bravery when each of them admit that TVM is something they have never done before, that performing in the show is like stepping out of their comfort zones.

It’s absolutely refreshing, this selflessness. To know that doing these monologues is a risk for them, a risk taken not for self-glorification but for art. Just by accepting the challenge of this play, they proved that they are true artists.

Talent, beauty, frame, glamour and success aside, which Angel, Sheila and Belinda possess in spades. It will be exciting just to watch three dedicated and generous artist at work.

Andrew Vergara is associate artistic director of the New Voice Company and has directed the English version of The Vagina Monologues since 2000, in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore. Recently he received critical acclaim for his direction of the latest NVC musical – Falsettos. He has trained as a director at the Actors Center London.

The Vagina Monologues" in English will run on Nov. 15 and 16 at the Music Museum at 9 p.m. The show is produced by the New Voice Company in cooperation with TGI Fridays, Revlon, Absolute, Dole, Avis Rent-a-Car, Sound Design, NU107, The Gardener Bounty, Joey 92.3, Avic Inc and NVC Actors Studio. For ticket information call the New Voice Company at 896-6695, 896-5497 or telefrax 899-0630 or e-mail nvc@pacific.net.ph.