Sitti on a stretch
By Gab Fab / Jet Valle
Bossa-nova exponent Sitti takes on the role of Martha in Atlantis Productions’ staging of the Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening. The singer has followed the siren call of the theater stage before, having done a turn as Mary Walter in a one-night-only staging of Katy The Musical. This, coupled with acting work in various TV programs, has prepared the singer for the substantial material of Spring Awakening.
Based on one of the most controversial pieces of literature that was banned for 100 years, Spring Awakening is the tale of teenagers on the road of self-discovery. Written by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, the musical is the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Spring Awakening also stars Joaquin Valdes and Miguel Mendoza, and runs from September 25 to October 18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
For tickets: Atlantis Productions, 892-7078 or 840-1187. Due to explicit content and some nudity, parental discretion is advised.
How did you the land the role of Martha in Spring Awakening?
Atlantis contacted me to audition for the role. Prior to that, though, I’d been telling my manager Boy Abunda that I really wanted to be part of a theater production. A few weeks after the audition, Atlantis contacted me again to say that I got the part, and they were just awaiting approval from Broadway.
What is your first impression of the role?
That it’s hard to pull off! (Laughs) I have never known anyone who was sexually and physically abused and, though, I wasn’t spared the stick to growing up, that was nothing compared with what Martha goes through every night.
How are you approaching the role?
Chari Arespacochaga (director) and Jenny Jamora (assistant director) gave us materials on child abuse and incest, and I’ve also been doing my best to read and watch as much as I can about it.
The musical, and even the book it was based upon, is very controversial….Does this mean that we’ll be seeing a more mature, less wholesome Sitti?
Let’s just say Chari and the rest of the production worked hard to make us less inhibited.
What attracted you to the project in the first place?
Prior to auditioning, I didn’t really know about Spring Awakening. It was only when I got the part and read the script that I realized it wasn’t your usual play. I was just really happy and grateful and excited that, finally, I’m going to get a shot at theater. Throughout rehearsals, and especially because of Duncan Sheik’s songs, I’ve grown to really love it.
How is it working with your costar Joaqui Valdes?
Everyone is really friendly and supportive. We help each other out. I’ve worked with Joaqui before in some shows but for this play I really see the OC, director-actor side of him. He’s good.
What about Miguel Mendoza?
Most of the other cast members have theater experience; in some ways, Miguel and I are the babies. He’s also a pretty cool, shy guy, and it’s really good to see him come out of his shell.
Are you nervous of how people will react to your performance?
I’m more nervous about what Chari will say about my performance than anything else. (Laughs hard)
Is this your way of proving to everyone you’re more than a bossa-nova artist?
I didn’t join this production to prove anything. I just wanted to grow as an artist and subject myself to the rigid rehearsals and discipline of the theater world.
What can you say about a lot of bossa artists coming into the scene after your success?
It’s to be expected. I didn’t and don’t pay too much attention to it. I just really try my best to give all the people who come to my shows a great time.
What can people expect from Spring Awakenings?
They can expect to have a great time, be swept away in the music, and be taken back to that time when everything was a marvel and a journey of discovery.
Tags: Marta, Official, Official Sitti, Sitti, Sitti Navarro, Sittionline.com, Spring Awakening, Theatre
