April 6, 2024
At an unspecified time, place and dimension, a risen Jesus Christ met a despondent Lucifer. They engaged in a conversation that detailed the insecurities and frustrations of Lucifer since his fall, as it revealed the compassion and mercy of Jesus since his death and resurrection. Jesus called Lucifer the "first Prodigal Son." Since Lucifer had already fulfilled the role destined for him to do, God the Father is now always ready to receive him back in Heaven.
Receiving the offer to play Jesus Christ came as a big shock to theater veteran Jamie Wilson, who had been more associated in playing Lucifer-like anti-heroes -- from Banlaoi in "Huling El Bimbo" to Trunchbull in "Matilda." As usual, Wilson completely commanded the stage with his excellent, flawless delivery of his very long lines, in a voice so calming, compassionate and authoritative, just as we would expect from the Son of God. As early as now, I am already considering this as one of the best acting performances in a one-act play this year.
The big surprise was model Zach Pracale, in his professional stage debut with this formidable role as Lucifer. He certainly kept up with Wilson, delivering kilometric line after line, error-free, never lapsing out of character, truly amazing achievement for this theater neophyte. He had an unusual, unnatural tempo in saying his lines, specially devised for an ethereal character like Lucifer, who had never had a chance to experience being human. His white shirt bore a couple of red marks at the back, representing his severed wings -- very haunting.
Having Lucifer as a main character in a two-hander play alongside Jesus Christ is a very bold concept. During the Q&A after the show, writer-director Manu Respall revealed that he first conceived of this idea more than two decades ago, but was turned down by a church official when he pitched it. To avoid a repeat of this disappointment, he developed this current script on his own with his cast. No expert on Catholic theology and doctrine was consulted. This show would reflect his extensive research and reflection about these matters of religion.
One of the main legs upon which the plot of this play stood was that Lucifer, the fallen Bearer of Light, was a distinct entity from Satan, the Prince of Darkness. Since my childhood, educated in a Catholic school, I had always thought that Lucifer and Satan were one and the same. Respall's contention really had me re-thinking and re-evaluating my long-held beliefs about this. This 45-minute one-act play is purposefully thought-provoking and faith-challenging, aimed to make us want to read deeper about controversial topics that may catch our attention.
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"THE ANCIENT PRODIGAL" had its premiere today April 6 at 3pm and 6pm. There will be one last show on April 7, 2024 at 6pm. It runs at the ArtePintura Gallery, Unit 102 Mezzanine 1460, San Marcelino St, corner Escoda St, Ermita, Manila.
Ticket Prices are at Php 950.00 for Regular, Php 770.00 for Seniors / PWD and Php 700.00 for students.
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