SIX years after winning raves and awards for her performance in the stage adaptation of the Lino Brocka movie Bona, Eugene Domingo returns to her theatrical roots.
The elusive actress takes on the role of Jessie, a divorced woman deadset on taking her own life in the Philippine Educational Theater Association (Peta) staging of ‘Night, Mother, the Pulitzer-prize winning and Tony-nominated play by American playwright Marsha Norman.
The material, which tackles severe depression making it as timely as today’s headlines, is nothing new to Domingo. She has done it before for Dulaang Laboratoryo, for her fellow University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman alumnus Harlene Bautista’s thesis many years before she hit it big as a TV and movie actress. That time, while still her 20s, Domingo played Thelma, the mother role. “Since it was for the Laboratory Theater, we had to play roles that were way beyond our real age. I remember my mentor, Tony Mabesa, telling me that he didn’t realize I could also tackle dramatic parts.”
Throughout a career that in itself is an amazing proof of what talent, intelligence and patience can bring about, Domingo has proven that she is that rare kind of actress who can switch genres by the click of a finger and can even carry a tune to boot. In fact, one of the plays she holds dear is the zarzuela Sundalong Kapitan, which she did for the UP Playwrights Theater. “I enjoyed doing Sundalong Kapitan because I also like singing, particularly in zarzuelas.”
‘Night, Mother also marks Eugene Domingo’s return to Peta, the theater company which has spawned some of the industry’s best talents, including National Artist for Film Lino Brocka. “While still in high school,” Domingo recalled, “I would hear about Peta since I knew they would give workshops for high-school students interested in theater. Aside from being a fan of Peta, there’s something about theater that always lures me back to it.”
Perhaps Domingo’s case is akin to one’s first love which is worth revisiting every now and then. She feels that, at 46, she is more equipped to play the role of the disturbed daughter Jessie in ‘Night, Mother. “When Melvin Lee of Peta said that they would be happy if I would accept the role of Jessie, I readily accepted. Now that I am in my 40s, I’m of the right age to revisit the material. It’s always good to return to your first love.”
For Domingo, it’s the process itself of doing theater which quenches her artistic passion. The feeling of being part of a community that inspires camaraderie, teaches discipline and aspires for perfection. “The environment, at least in Peta, is that of a close, tight circle—there is no star, no diva. Every day we discover things together. When showtime comes, we all share in the success because we all contributed to it.”
Domingo’s creative process always starts with memorizing her lines. One stage experience that
she wouldn’t forget was when she did Welcome to Intelstar for the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Written and directed by stage and film director Chris Martinez, the play featured Domingo as a call center-agent, a role for which she had to deliver an entire 28-page monologue.
“When you’re doing theater, the challenge will always put you on your toes. You have to be alert since there are no cuts, no retakes unlike in film and TV. So as an actor, you have no choice but to memorize your lines and get into the character.”
Earmarked as the 50th theater season-ender of the distinguished theatrical group Peta, ‘Night, Mother runs from February 2 to March 18, from Friday to Sunday. Domingo hopes the play serves as an eye-opener that will draw more discussion and discourse on a serious issue like depression.
“Doing ‘Night, Mother has made me more sensitive to what people really feel, especially those we love but not excluding strangers. The truth is, even when you see a random person on the edge of losing it, that can be very terrifying. We cannot wait to act when it is already too late.”
Key to addressing the issue of depression, Domingo realized, is to take time to be there for anyone who ever feels isolated and alone. “It will make such a difference.”
The same can be said about the actress. By consistently demanding discipline and perfection combined with a fun, enjoyable vibe and always striving for excellence in her craft, Eugene Domingo is able to spark a much-needed difference in a business where there seems hardly any room for such time-tested virtues.