Behind every successful actress are the transformative struggles that molded her to become who she is today. The two lead stars of the upcoming play Request sa Radyo share the highs and lows, peaks and valleys of pursuing an acting career.
By CHESCA TUAZON
Months before Request sa Radyo debuts on stage, Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon, two of the Philippines’ most esteemed actresses who will alternate playing the wordless play’s lead character, recently shared their thoughts and respective journeys during “Conversations in the Spotlight: Live at the JZA Hall” at the Samsung Performance Arts Theater.
Their reflections also invariably shed some light on the evolving theater industry and the personal growth they’ve experienced through the years both as artists and individuals.
Salonga’s theatrical career began at a young age, with her breakthrough role in Miss Saigon, which marked a significant milestone not only for herself, but also for colleagues in the industry. The worldwide acclaim she garnered soon after set the stage for her to become a global ambassador for Philippine theater.
De Leon, on the other hand, embarked on her theatrical path through a more unconventional route. Her early performances in community theaters and small productions provided her with a foundation to develop a unique voice in Philippine theater.
After years of being under the radar playing all sorts of characters, de Leon suddenly found herself becoming a household name last year after being nominated as “Best Supporting Actress” in several award-giving bodies abroad, including the Golden Globes, for her work in Triangle of Sadness.
However, despite the numerous awards they have received over the years, the two actresses know that their respective journeys towards growth are never truly complete.
“I want to be super confident, comfortable in my own skin without having to worry (about) what people are going think,” de Leon shared. How does she do it? “Just completely trust the process and enjoy the narrative that I’m playing,” she added.
Their experiences also reveal the harsh realities they faced early in their careers. Both actresses recalled moments of rough criticism and challenging environments that tested their mettle. Being called harsh names and being yelled at were only some of them. Yet, they both agree that these experiences have made them stronger individuals and better in their craft. They hope that as the industry continues to grow, the environment also becomes kinder and more compassionate for budding artists.
“Don’t go into this world thinking it’s going be glamorous because it’s not. It’s a lot of hard work. It’s a lot of sacrifice. You sacrifice your social life. You sacrifice time (away) from your families doing this.” Salonga emphasized. “You better love this, more than sex, more than food, more than sleep. You have to love this!”
De Leon also encouraged aspiring performers to connect with like-minded peers and seek out opportunities, regardless of available resources. “Find friends. Find like-minded people, get together, go to someone’s garage, find a play. You will find one online. You don’t need resources if you love what you do. You will find a way,” she said.
As Salonga and De Leon prepare for their roles in Request sa Radyo, their stories will serve as sources of inspiration for future generations of actors who will undoubtedly face their own trials and triumphs on the stage.
The veteran actresses will be alternating in the solo play Request sa Radyo, the Filipino adaptation of Franz Xaver Kroetz’s landmark piece Wunschkonzert or Request Program, which will run from Oct. 10 to 20. Request sa Radyo is produced by Clint Ramos, Bobby Garcia and Christopher Mohnani for Ayala Land and GMG Productions.
