Johnrey Rivas is fast proving himself quite the passionate actor, displaying depth, versatility in his work.
This is is very much evident in the stage play, "Juan Luna: Isang Sarswela" which opened at the Adamson University on Aug. 30.
In a chat, Johnrey breaks down what he considers the most challenging aspect of the play.
"Yung pinaka-challenging scene po sa akin yung 'Lunatico.' Ayun po yung pinakamahirap na scene sa akin kasi I need to act and at the same time nakanta rin po ako. Tapos kailangan mo ipakita yung intensity nung scene. Kapag yun nagsama-sama and nag-internalize ka, may tendency na mag black out ka," Johnrey said.
(The most challenging scene for me was the 'Lunatico.' It was quite a difficult scene for me because I need to act and sing at the same time. Then you have to show the intensity relative to the scene. When you put it all together and internalize, there's a tendency that you could black out)
According to Johnrey, he had muscle spasms doing the scene.
"I have to sing the high notes habang umaarte. At the same time hindi dapat nawawala sa character, kaya challenge talaga siya for me. Kaya nagkaroon po ako ng muscle spasms sa eksena na yun. Tapos parang aatakihin ako everytime na lalabas ako sa scene na yun," he added.
(I have to sing the high notes while acting. At the same time I have to keep to the character, so it's quite a challenge for me. I had muscle spasms doing that scene. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack every time I come out to do that scene)
Despite all the challenges, Johnrey was able to give justice to the character.
Personally speaking, this is my first time to watch Johnrey work and I think he did a great job.
The play itself, written and directed by Atty. Vince Tañada, is a magnificent retelling of history, love, betrayal, as focused on the life of the famous painter.
Highlighting some of his more popular works such as the "Spolarium" and "Parisian Life", the stage play also shows the dark side of the well-know painter as portrayed by Vince.
"This theatrical homage separates his personal life from his heroism, his art being one of the reasons why a revolution commenced. I encourage to make our history very much alive, amidst the ongoing revision and distortion. And it's quite important to us to utilize our art as a medium to educate the younger generation through this play," Vince said.
With Musical Direction by Pipo Cifra, ''Juan Luna: Isang Sarswela" also features John Arcenas as Jose Rizal, JP Lopez as Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Jomar Bautista as Gen. Antonio Lina, and Fidel Redado as Trinidad Pardo De Tavera.