Ayen Munji-Laurel topbills "Atang"

Matagal nga rin daw na nawala sa musical theater si Ayen at natuwa siya nang siya ang mapiling gumanap sa title role na Atang at nakasama pa niya ang mga theater thespians na sila Shamaine Buencamino at Frances Makil-Ignacio.

Hindi ini-expect ni Ayen na muli siyang aarte at aawit sa entablado kaya noong sa kanya ibigay ang title role na Atang, nag-research nga raw siya tungkol sa tinaguriang Queen of Sarsuela na si Atang dela Rama.

"I gathered that Atang dela Rama was a very big star during her time. She's a National Artist. Kumbaga, siya ang unang superstar even before other stars came to be. She sings, dances, writes and acts. Multi-talented siya kaya naman many people loved her for her talent.

"I tried putting myself in her shoes because during her time, as a woman parang mahirap ang ginagawa niya. But she did her best and fought for what she believes in, which is to promote music of our country. It was her way to let other people know how talented we Filipinos are despite of what was happening then.

"I am so proud to portray Atang dela Rama because she's a rare gem in the local entertainment business and her name alone signifies her stature in our local entertainment history."

QUEEN OF SARSUELA. For a brief background, pinanganak noong January 11, 1905 si Honorata "Atang" dela Rama sa Tondo, Manila. Sa edad na 7 ay lumalabas na si Atang sa mga Spanish zarzuelas tulad ng Mascota, Sueno de un Vals at Marina. At age 15, she starred in her very own sarsuela, Dalagang Bukid kunsaan inawit niya ang "Nabasag na Banga."

Pinaglaban ni Atang ang kundiman at sarsuela noong panahon na namayani ang mga Amerikano sa ating bansa. Nang magkaroon siya ng pagkakataon na mangibang-bansa, patuloy ang pag-awit niya ng mga kundiman songs para makilala ang kultura at sining ng mga Pinoy sa iba't ibang bansa.

Pinalawak pa ni Atang ang mga nalalaman niya tungkol sa sarili nating musika dahil bukod sa pagiging isang singer at actress, naging theatrical producer, writer at talent manager din siya. Dahil nga sa kanyang malalaking contribution sa lokal na sining, naging Queen of the Kundiman and of the Sarsuela si Atang noong 1979 sa edad na 74.

Noong May 8, 1987, dahil sa kanyang "sincere devotion to original Filipino theater and music, her outstanding artistry as singer, and as sarsuela actress-playwright-producer, her tireless efforts to bring her art to all sectors of Filipino society and to the world," ginawaran si Atang dela Rama ni President Corazon C. Aquino bilang National Artist of the Philippines for Theater and Music.

Sumakabilang-buhay si Atang dela Rama noong July 11, 1991. Kinasal siya sa National Artist for Literature na si Amado V. Hernandez.

SUPPORTIVE HUSBAND. Suportado raw si Ayen ng kanyang husband na si Franco Laurel sa pagsabak niya ulit sa musical theater. Noong magsimula nga raw ang run ng Atang sa U.P.. ay every performance night niya ay present ang kanyang husband.

"Franco is also a lover of theater kaya he supports me in this. He knows how much I love doing this aside from singing and rearing a family.

"When he got news that I would be doing Atang, he was so excited for me. Maganda kasi ang story na sinulat ni Floy Quintos at parang bagay nga raw para sa akin. Furthermore, Franco is happy because I made a comeback to theater."

Magkakaroon ulit ng theater run ang Atang para sa mga naka-miss nito. Muli itong ipapalabas sa January 28, 29, 30, 31 at February 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Showtimes are at 7:00 PM, 10:00 AM, and 3:00 PM sa Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero Theater sa U.P. Diliman.

Ang iba pang kasama sa cast ng Atang ay sina Kalila Aguilos, Bituin Escalante, Mitoy Sta. Ana, Meynard Penalosa, Teroy Guzman, Ricky Ibe, Greg De Leon, JC Santos, Arkel Mendoza, Martha Sta. Barbara, Gelo Pascual, Paola Munoz and RJ Camangon. Mula ito sa panulat ni Floy Quintos, direksyon ni Alexander Cortez at musical director naman si Von de Guzman.

For ticket inquiries, contact 0922-8206224; 0917-6206224, Dulaang UP Office: 926-1349; 433-7840; or call their landline at 981-8500 loc 2449. Tickets are priced at P250.