Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Bautista
Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita): Una pa lang kita na kita pinag nasahan na kita. At nung nagtapat ka sakin ng pag ibig lalo kitang pinagnasahan. Ang pagnanasang iyon ang nagdulot sakin ng di masukat na kaligayahan. La boca habla lo que el corazón desea. Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente): (Kisses her). Señora Margarita: (Pushes him away) Larga na tapusin mo na iyong misyon! Señor Vicente: Diyan ka magaling ang mambitin! Señora Margarita: Akong iyong reyna! Señor Vicente: Si! Reyna Margarita!
Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Shamaine Buencamino is one of the most respected and distinguished actresses, with countless roles in MAALALA MO KAYA and WAGAS. In Cinemalaya she’s done it all. For director Loy Arceñas alone her roles ranged from a manipulative wife (ReQUIEME) to a closet lesbian in NIÑO.
from left: Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia), Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita), Lharby Policarpio (Daniel), Phil Star Editor Tim Yap, LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa), Jerald Napoles and Alex Medina. Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
No one, however, has ever seen Shamaine the way she is in Tanghalang Pilipino’s JUEGO DE PELIGRO running at the CCP until March 8. She is the smoldering temptress Señora Margarita, able to seduce a man in more ways than one. There’s something even more attractive when an older woman is with younger men both of them in various stage of undress.
Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) seduces Lharby Policarpio (Daniel). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Of course there is the fresh-faced LJ Reyes as the virtuous and married Señora Teresa and pretty young thing in Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia). The difference here is that while Arnold Reyes as the ultimate Don Juan– Señor Vicente seduces them all, it is Margarita who takes the reins in seducing and controlling him. Her guile makes her even more attractive. Her passion and lack of conscience is not any less comparing with men. Physically Shamaine is the most voluptuous in the cast, making her convincing along with her impeccable acting abilities. This is an achievement considering that the sexy Valerie Concepcion is an alternate to the Señora Teresa role.
LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa); Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Seeing the leads do well is no surprise. Shamaine and Arnold Reyes have been stalwarts of the Philippine independent scene. They have more than a dozen Cinemalaya titles among them. LJ appeared in THE LEAVING with Arnold in 2010 and also did INTOY SHOKOY and THE JANITOR all from Cinemalaya.
from left: Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente), Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita), LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa), Lharby Policarpio (Daniel) & Racquel Pareno (Señora Violeta). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Incidentally both LJ Reyes and Valerie Concepcion who have seen acclaim on TV and films have made a fantastic account of themselves in one of the most revered companies in Philippine theater. Getting cast and performing well in Tanghalang Pilipino is no joke as these two lovely and famous names will tell you.
from left: Sherry Lara (Señora Remedios), Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente) & LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
DANGEROUS LIAISONS
Les Liaisons Dangereuses is the French novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos published in 1782 from which JUEGO is based on. The adaptation to Spanish 19th century Philippines by Elmer Gatchalian is genius. The mores, culture although from a different time and place translates perfectly. Separated by a century there were also two parallel upheavals that were part of the story; the French revolution (in the novel) and our own struggle for independence, the Philippine Revolution (for the adaptation). When you watch the play you’ll find that the thinking from that era, isn’t really too far from the thinking of today.
from left: Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia), Director & Set Designer Tuxqs Rutaquio, Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita), LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa) & Elmer Gatchalian Playwright/Filipino Adaptation. Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
My own introduction to it was seeing DANGEROUS LIAISONS the movie as a teenager released in 1988, of which I am a huge fan. It had the most spectacular cast Hollywood could produce at the time no less than Oscar winning John Malkovich as Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont and Glenn Close as Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil and Michelle Pfeiffer as Madame de Tourvel. The movie met with a lot of critical success and actually won 3 Oscars: Best Adapted Screenplay-Christopher Hampton, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration–Stuart Craig and Gérard James and Best Costume –James Acheson. Glenn Close and Michelle Pfeiffer were also nominated for their roles.
Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Based purely on looks even at the height of their Hollywood careers, I sincerely believe that Shamaine Buencamino is far more attractive than Glenn Close without giving anything away in terms of acting ability. The same can be said with our own Arnold Reyes, while being too young to be compared to the legendary career of Malkovich, he’s certainly more convincing as a striking seducer of women. Malkovich in the film was more of forcing his way into the hearts and bedrooms of women as opposed to the charms and looks that Reyes has in spades. LJ Reyes also has a more angelic face than Michelle Pfeiffer in similar roles. It’s this virtuous quality that Señor Vicente tries to break through out the story.
Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Lharby Policarpio (Daniel), LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa), TP Artistic Director Nanding Josef, Jerald Napoles, Nicco Manalo and Alex Medina. Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Younger Cast
Also in the film featuring younger roles are Keanu Reeves as Le Chevalier Raphael Danceny and Uma Thurman as Cécile de Volanges. Both of whom had flourishing careers after. DANGEROUS LIAISONS was before the breakout films of SPEED and THE MATRIX from Reeves. Uma not long after did PULP FICTION.
Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia); Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Adrienne Vergara as Cecilia in JUEGO certainly had the most revealing scenes. She has a sexual awakening after being seduced by Señor Vicente. Vin Abrenica and Lharby Policarpio who alternate the role of Daniel are definitely more macho or manly than the geeky version of Reeves in DANGEROUS LIAISONS. All young cast members from Vergara, Abrenica and Policarpio have tremendously bright futures as actors. I’m 100% sure we’ll be seeing more of them in TV and film roles as well as theater after JUEGO.
LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Costume by James Reyes
More than any other play costume has an indispensible function here. They are an indication not just of the time period but also add an insight to the characters. In spite of many occasions where the costumes do come off in bed scenes we have an immediate impression to character by what they wear. James Reyes has an ability to design costumes that capture the essence of an era. From the colorful, whimsical in SANDOSENANG SAPATOS with Tessa Prieto Valdes Reyes is able to shift to the classic, traditional piña and jusi of JUEGO DE PELIGRO.
from left: Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Racquel Pareno (Señora Violeta). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Spanish Language, Pinoy Humor
The adaptation has a strong Spanish influence and generous smattering of Spanish words like mujer, esposo and even Spanish lines. What makes it entertaining though is the unmistakable touch of Filipino humor that was not present in the film.
Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia): Pero Madrina di po ba yon pagtataksil? Señora Margarita: Hindi pagtataksil ang tawag doon. Ang tawag doon abilidad. Maari nating mahalin kahit sino, kahit ilan pa sila, kahit sabaysabay! Mag ingat ka kaunti ang mga opornidad para sa ating mga babae. Kaya kung ano ang meron tayo kailangan natin gamitin at samantalahin! Cecilia: Madrina, muchos gracias!
from left: Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Aldo Vencilao (Anton), Jonathan Tadioan (Anton), Sherry Lara (Señora Remedios), Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia), Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente), Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita), LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa), Lharby Policarpio (Daniel), Racquel Pareno (Señora Violeta), Lhorvie Nuevo (Elena) and Sasa Cabalquinto (Adela). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Jerald Napoles takes USIE (Group selfie) w pals LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa) Nicco Manalo and Alex Medina. USIE is pronounced ‘uss-ee’, rhyming with ‘fussy’. Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Lhorvie Nuevo (Elena) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Racquel Pareno (Señora Violeta) & Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Director & Set Designer Tuxqs Rutaquio & MANHID Sound designer TJ Ramos. Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
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LJ Reyes (Señora Teresa) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente) pleads w Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Writer Arsenio Tan Liao, Gloc9, Director & Set Designer Tuxqs Rutaquio, Dennis Sebastian and Emman Dela Cruz. Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
Shamaine Buencamino (Señora Margarita) & Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente) & Adrienne Vergara (Cecilia). Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Gloc 9 and Phil Star Editor Tim Yap. Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Arnold Reyes (Señor Vicente) writes on Lhorvie Nuevo’s (Elena) back. Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of DANGEROUS LIASONS—JUEGO DE PELIGRO at CCP until March 8, 2015; Costumes by James Reyes. Photo by Jude Bautista
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