Famas Best Actor and award-winning producer Alfred Vargas shared his foray into Filipino theater, venturing into live performances under his production outfit, Alternative Vision Cinema, and co-producing the prestigious 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, as well as the stellar performances of the theater actors, brings me back to my Ateneo days. My love for theater is still alive, and this is my way of giving back and promoting Ateneo talent,” Vargas shared.

“Directing this play is Ron Capinding, my Filipino teacher at Ateneo High School and one of my mentors in the theater. He is one of the greatest actors in Philippine theater for me and many others. He is the protege of none other than the late luminary Ricky Abad,” Vargas added.

According to Vargas, “Mga Multo” showcases the mesmerizing performances of Miren Alvarez-Fabregas and Yan Yuzon, the thespian legends he had acted alongside during his TA days. Joseph Dela Cruz, Mark Aranal, and Sabrina Basilio, all seasoned and veteran actors from the organization’s alumni, complete the exceptional ensemble.

“Mga Multo” follows the life of Senyora Alvino (Alverez-Fabregas) as she attempts to establish an orphanage to honor her late husband's memory. The return of her son Oswaldo (Yuzon) from abroad, however, sets off a chain of revelations, and long-buried secrets are exposed—haunting the captivating Gino Gonzales-designed set.

“The audience for theater has become noticeably larger as Filipino pop culture gravitates towards live performances. More and more people are enjoying the different experiential encounters 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.

According to Vargas, “Mga Multo” is a milestone for Alternative Vision Cinema, which previously produced only movies. The move was “easy, smooth, and seamless” because of the hardworking and efficient Tanghalang Ateneo production members.

“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.

Asked if he intends to return as a theater actor soon, Vargas said that he is not closing his doors to the idea and, one day, he may once again take the spotlight.

“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—bring humanity closer, transforming us as truly men and women for others,” Vargas added.

"Mga Multo" opened its limited 10-show run last June 28 and will run until July 7, 2024, at the Doreen Black Box Theater in Areté, Ateneo de Manila University. Matinee shows will be at 3 p.m. on July 6-7, while evening shows at 7 p.m. on all show dates. https://bit.ly/MgaMultoTickets