Shadow Behind the Moon

(Commenting on the play, not the movie)

Will always be impressed by the audience knowing right away what ‘kalaguyo’ is tbh! The audience reactions never get old too.

(Commenting on the play, not the movie)

Will always be impressed by the audience knowing right away what ‘kalaguyo’ is tbh! The audience reactions never get old too.

(Commenting on the play, not the movie)

Never gets old.

That masterful script needs to be paired with first-rate actors who can do justice to it — Elora Españo, Martin del Rosario, and Ross Pesigan rise to the task again so marvelously in this rerun.

Nothing new with this rerun, as the same actors are all playing the same characters. Except that the former understudies are elevated to being alternates, and the nudity seems to be more pronounced now.

I also watched with an audience that was all reacting to every gaggy line, and wow was it just an amazing experience hearing all the reactions! Hahaha

I love this play so much. It’s such a stellar work. 

Anyway, I will always be impressed by any actress who performs Emma. She is no easy feat, especially when you consider that she’s the only actor in this three-person ensemble that’s on stage for the entire play. 

Also gained a few more insights in this rewatch! Will write in my review, instead of this diary entry.

PS I find it slayful of me that I watched the movie (twice) for free, and this rerun for free as well. I paid for the first run though, but even then that ticket I paid for was discounted 😭😭😭

(Commenting on the play, not the movie)

Never gets old.

That masterful script needs to be paired with first-rate actors who can do justice to it — Elora Españo, Martin del Rosario, and Ross Pesigan rise to the task again so marvelously in this rerun.

Nothing new with this rerun, as the same actors are all playing the same characters. Except that the former understudies are elevated to being alternates, and the nudity seems to be more pronounced now.

I also watched with an audience that was all reacting to every gaggy line, and wow was it just an amazing experience hearing all the reactions! Hahaha

I love this play so much. It’s such a stellar work. 

Anyway, I will always be impressed by any actress who performs Emma. She is no easy feat, especially when you consider that she’s the only actor in this three-person ensemble that’s on stage for the entire play. 

Also gained a few more insights in this rewatch! Will write in my review, instead of this diary entry.

PS I find it slayful of me that I watched the movie (twice) for free, and this rerun for free as well. I paid for the first run though, but even then that ticket I paid for was discounted 😭😭😭

(Commenting on the play, not the movie)

My friend wanted to watch the play because Anino was staged by our college’s theater organization (Artistang Artlets, when it was still probably decent) back then in the 1990s. I had to go watch with her too because I loved the movie.

A thousand Philippine pesos was well spent. We were only seated in balcony side seats, but aside from times where the people in front of us leaned forward (no judgment because I would have done the same tbh), it offered a great view of everything. I even made eye contact with Ross Pesigan (as Nardo) during the performance!!! The director, Tuxqs Rutaquio, blocked everything so well. It helps that the theater was small too.

I’ve only developed a true appreciation for theatre recently, but I know a difficult performance when I see one. Elora Españo, as Emma, is onstage for the entire duration of the play, shouting punchy and nuanced dialogue in almost every minute. Emma is a character that most actors would dream to perform; she’s the heart and soul and overall meat of this material. Elora gave a sensual, knockout performance in this one. I have to stan. 

Martin del Rosario is impressive with his charisma, and the intimidation his character brings in at the last act took away the breath of the audience. You can’t literally hear anyone make a peep during the last twenty minutes. 

I also appreciated the agency and vulnerability Ross Pesigan brought to his character. You really do feel for Nardo.

When I first watched the movie, I was impressed by the tight script. It’s honestly genius, how the script explored masculinity and womanhood. Very much ahead of its time. So to see the script be performed by three brilliant actors in its natural habitat? Just exceptional.

(Commenting on the play, not the movie)

My friend wanted to watch the play because Anino was staged by our college’s theater organization (Artistang Artlets, when it was still probably decent) back then in the 1990s. I had to go watch with her too because I loved the movie.

A thousand Philippine pesos was well spent. We were only seated in balcony side seats, but aside from times where the people in front of us leaned forward (no judgment because I would have done the same tbh), it offered a great view of everything. I even made eye contact with Ross Pesigan (as Nardo) during the performance!!! The director, Tuxqs Rutaquio, blocked everything so well. It helps that the theater was small too.

I’ve only developed a true appreciation for theatre recently, but I know a difficult performance when I see one. Elora Españo, as Emma, is onstage for the entire duration of the play, shouting punchy and nuanced dialogue in almost every minute. Emma is a character that most actors would dream to perform; she’s the heart and soul and overall meat of this material. Elora gave a sensual, knockout performance in this one. I have to stan. 

Martin del Rosario is impressive with his charisma, and the intimidation his character brings in at the last act took away the breath of the audience. You can’t literally hear anyone make a peep during the last twenty minutes. 

I also appreciated the agency and vulnerability Ross Pesigan brought to his character. You really do feel for Nardo.

When I first watched the movie, I was impressed by the tight script. It’s honestly genius, how the script explored masculinity and womanhood. Very much ahead of its time. So to see the script be performed by three brilliant actors in its natural habitat? Just exceptional.

Brilliant, brilliant film. I wish I can rewatch again!

Brilliant, brilliant film. I wish I can rewatch again!