INDEED, Roeder Camañag has found his true calling in theater. Taking the biggest leap of faith after breaking through and staying for many years in the entertainment business as a pop singer when he was still a teenager with big dreams, Camañag’s world now revolves around the many facets of theater.
He shifts from his many roles as teacher, mentor, director, producer and actor in the many theatrical productions and projects he gets involved with, each giving him a different sense of accomplishment, fulfillment and joy.
He calls the shots for the newest theater company in town, Artist Playground, where he and his team develop and train newbies interested to explore the world of theater.
“After many years learning about and working on the ins and outs of the many intricate components of theater, I’m happy that we have found a home in Artist Playground. We are still experiencing birthing pains after almost four years but each baby step we take makes us more resilient in turning our visions into realities,” he shared.
Since its first production in late 2015, Artist Playground has come up with memorable productions that have won awards and recognition. “I’d like to think that there are still so many areas and potentials about theater that are waiting to be tapped and improved. So I treat each new project as a new opportunity to improve and learn more,” he intoned.
A few months ago, we caught Camañag’s powerful performance as Walter Markova in Geegee at Waterina, a winning collaboration of composer Jesse Lucas, playwright Dennis Teodosio and director Andrew de Real. We felt his pain, understood his longings, soared with his comic antics, and got swept off by his fabulous and colorful interpretation of Waterina.
True enough, when the Aliw Foundation recently announced its roster of live performance nominees, Camañag’s name figured prominently in the lead musical actor category.
If our memory serves us right, Camañag has won the Aliw trophy several times in the past and his being recognized annually simply proves that real talent is consistent and age is never a deterrent to be the best in whatever one decides to put his heart into.
“Every recognition is a humbling experience and an affirmation that what I do as an artist is meaningful and can touch and affect others. I guess that’s the essence of being a true artist—when getting into your role can transform you completely and give birth to new dimensions that will leave something to your audiences.”
A few days ago, we caught the final weekend performance of Dulaang UP’s The Dressing Room, where Camañag shone effortlessly in his role as a ghost actress from the past. Camañag is reprising this role from the 2016 production and his tandem with his new coactor Bobby Martino is splendid, which we reckon keeps the show consistently at a very high entertainment level.
“For every role that I take on, I always tell myself to inject something original, something I’ve never done before, whether it be a nuance, a piece of additional clothing for my costume, a subtle mannerism, something that will keep the character interesting throughout the performance. I’m glad I am reunited with our director Alex Cortez and I was able to work with my good friend Bobby Martino, who is back in town after years of working as an actor in the UK and the US.”
Right after The Dressing Room, Camañag plays Simoun in Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s El Filibusterismo. Then he firms up his plans for the next season of new shows with his Artist Playground family.