lance raymundo: almost as real as Jesus (and a brief review on the senakulo "martir sa golgota")...

LANCE: APOWERFULPERFORMANCE AS JESUS CHRIST (photo: wilson fernandez)

(photo: wilson fernandez)

(photo: wilson fernandez)

(photo: wilson fernandez)

(photo: wilson fernandez)

(photo: wilson fernandez)

I have never seen or watched someone as powerful as an actor who portrayed Jesus. And last Wednesday, we saw Lance Raymundo delivered the role of JC in the "nth" degree. His performance was natural, captivating and strong. It's not Lance that I saw there, but a totally different person- almost like Jesus Christ himself. He totally transformed himself in the play Ang Martir Sa Golgota, which had its last performance past Wednesday evening at Plaza Hugo, Sta. Ana. It's the kind of a Jesus performance that's not holy and humble or Saintly, but what we saw was the Jesus who was almost real, rugged, passionate and kind. Tao na tao. And to add, Lance's voice and vocal deliveries were like church bells echoing amidst eternity.. Indeed, we've' proven that Lance was indeed a true actor, so committed to his craft.

My hats-off to you, Lance. Jesus became REAL TO ME that night. And I got lost in space and TIME.

Added notes on Lance's acting delivery on the Senakulo:

Lance was so consistent in flow and rhythm and style. In each scene, a straight line was drawn because Lance connected it. The emotions varies, but there's enough consistency in his facial expressions. He simply loved "being there", we mean, portraying Jesus in an audience that's so Mteropolis, down-to-earth and very 'third world'. The Plaza Hugo in Sta. Ana.

Director Lou Veloso shifted to something new in presenting the life of Christ. The 'holiness"' could still be felt, though. But there was something unique. The varying colors which symbolized the life of Christ.
He made the lighting direction reveal it fully. Coupled with the songs and dances.

It was a great cast, too. Ms.Ivy Violan as Mary Magdalene was captivating in acting nuances. Migui Moreno as St. John the Baptist was bright and heavy. And the chorus ensemble cast were perfect in unison.

As long as a presentation or a legitimate theater performance on the life of Jesus Christ could make us cry, for us, it simply revealed the true meaning and intent.... and message. And the Senakulo "Ang Martir Sa Golgota" simply made us believe on that.


(words by robert manuguid silverio)

PHOTOS, COURTESY OF MR.WILSON FERNANDEZ OF LIWAYWAY MAGAZINE

MR. WILSON FERNANDEZ OF LIWAYWAY MAGAZINE