"Ate Lovia (AH-teh low-VEE-yah) is a new Filipino-Australian drama, that explores what it means to stay loyal to your family, no matter how brutal it gets."
The stage play is presented by kwento, a new theatre initiative of Filipino-Australian artists and Redline Productions.
Writer: Jordan Shea
Director: Kenneth Moraleda
Assistant Director: Nicole Pingon
Production Designer: Ruru Zhu
Sound Designer & Composer: Michael Toisuta
Lighting Designer: Martin Kinane
Stage Manager: Sophie Jones
Choreographer: Lauren Nalty
Cultural Consultant/Translations: Happy Feraren
Intimacy Coordinator: Shy Magsalin
Fight Coordinator: Tim Dashwood
Dramaturgical Support: Callan Purcell
Community Engagement Facilitators: Michael Moraleda & Marcus Rivera
Producers: kwento (Kenneth Moraleda | Creative Producer-Artistic, Jordan Shea Creative Producer-Content, Jana Vass | Creative Producer-Logistics)
The story revolves around nineteen-year old Lovia who falls in love for the first time; her alcoholic, disenfranchised father Jovy finally gets a job; and her brother Vergel lands a role in an ultra-fabulous amateur production of a Broadway classic. While the family embrace and challenge the opportunities presented to them, the return of a long-estranged presence rocks the lives of the Ejercito family to its very core.
The cast comprised of creatives who in their own right have shone in various theatre productions. They are: Chaya Ocampo (Lovia, checkout chick at Franklin's), Joseph Raboy (Vergel, the younger brother), Marcus Rivera (Jovy, the father), Dindi Huckle-Moran (Lou, idealistic co-worker at Franklin's), Anna Lee (Wendy, former showgirl).
Marcus Rivera who is known for his roles in The King and I, Miss Saigon (both in Australia and in Christchurch, New Zealand), Ned Kelly, Noli Me Tangere and his own cabaret shows staged in major cities, has this to say about the play and his role:
This is a wonderful play and full of heart. Jovy is a broken man which is difficult to play. He is an absolute challenge for any actors.
I feel privileged and honoured to be playing this character. We all know Jovy and his challenges.
Jovys arch as a character goes from being upbeat optimistic to being dark and then darker. You feel sorry for him.
Don't miss the opportunity to be enthralled by Sydney's talented creatives on the stage and behind the scene. You can catch the play at the Old Fitz Theatre, Wooloomolloo. More information and for bookings are available here.