nina campos as mary magdalene in "Martir sa Golgota"...

Nina in her Mary Magdalene costume (middle), together with a co-actress and Lance Raymundo (as Jesus Christ)

NINA: Young & Hopeful

This is the most challenging role to date for new theater actress- Nina Campos, in her career in the theater scene. That, of portraying Mary Magdalene in the Senakulo entitled Martir Sa Golgota (which will have its last performance tomorrow at the Plaza Hugo in Sta. Ana, Manila), For her, it's a great opportunity to play someone in the Bible who's been an object of so many disputes and controversies- Mary Magdalene.

"Initially, at the first half of our play, you'd see me performing that character like a crazy person", Nina told a blogger after a break from their rehearsals at the Senakulo. "But after that, there would be a change in how I would portray the character. And it's a change for the better. For people to understand the character of Mary Magdalene more fully, and deeper as that.

"Because you see, Mary Magdalene is just a normal human being", Nina continued on saying. "You can't stop that, I mean, you can not stop her from doing things just like an ordinary normal person does. She's e experiencing ups and downs in life, the way we are. And that what makes her human. So, if you're question is how would I attack the Mary Magdalene character? My answer is simple. I will attack and portray the role in a more humane way."

Nina is really so young and new. She's still a student in an exclusive school and director Lou Veloso (the director of Martir sa Golgota) saw her potentials after having portrayed an entirely different role for two consecutive years in the same Senakulo- Martir sa Golgota.

"I played the role of a male angel in the play- St. Michael", Nina quipped. "And that's for two consecutive years. But then, this year, direk Lou gave me a much better role. And that's Mary Magdalene."

Nina: Innocent-looking 

Nina: Musically-inclined

Nina plays badminton with Lance Raymundo during a break from their hectic rehearsals

According to Lou Veloso and Nina's co-actor in the play, in person of Lance Raymundo, she did able to portray the Mary Magdalene role far beyond their expectations.

"She's so good!", Lance told a blogger in a separate tete-a-tete. "Her acting talent is so natural. Even direk Lou was so impressed."

Aside from acting, Nina also write songs and is very much into music. She started playing the piano at age 11 years old, then later on, guitars and ukelele. Last November 2016, she had a concert at the CCP Main Theater together with her fellow choir members called SMILE Choir Group at it was indeed so successful.

"The performing arts has been so kind to me", Nina told a blogger at the end of an interview. "I guess, I have dedicated so much of myself in it and I do love being a part of it. I am pursuing thi career, definitely, alongside my business skills. And that would be better."

Goodluck, Nina.


(words by robert manuguid silverio)

P.S. - "ANG MARTIR SA GOLGOTA" WILL HAVE ITS FINAL PERFORMANCES AT:
•April 11 (Tuesday) - Paseo Outlets Greenfield City, Sta. Rosa, Laguna @ 7pm

•April 12 (Wednesday) - Plaza Hugo, Sta. Ana, Manila @ 7pm