I’m Inspired. I had the pleasure of seeing Ate Lovia whilst in Sydney. The Old Fitz Theatre in Wollomooloo was buzzing. Hearing conversations in Tagalog, English and even a dialect in Cebuano. There was laughter. There was joy in the chatter. A sense of familiarity. Felt like the Filipino Australian community is in town. And as a Filipino Australian, visiting from Melbourne, I felt I belonged. I knew that I would be in for a great treat.
Director Kenneth Moraleda brings a hush to the chatter, as he introduces us to the play that is to unfold. Lights dimmed. A stark stage set of an unkempt suburban Sydney backyard complete with a Hills Hoist begins our journey to the Ate Lovia story.
Theatre has never been afraid to tackle themes along racial lines and celebrating different cultures – the commonality of people, as well as the differences. In Jordan Shea’s Ate Lovia, 1996 multicultural Australia is viewed through the generational prism of an immigrant’s plight and struggles, settling to a new ‘home’. Adapting - yet remaining loyal and proud of their culture. Holding on to the nostalgic past of motherland and never forgetting their ‘hard life’ memories.
Ate Lovia (pronunced AH-teh low-VEE-yah) also reflects the aspirations of their children, navigating their parents’ cultural values, whilst growing up in a new country, magnifying one story of the many Filipino Australian diaspora. It examines the complex reality of the sacrifices and hidden truths of a family unit. And Keeping up appearances.
Playwright Jordan Shea has created instantly recognisable but not caricatured, families in this new Australian contemporary drama.
Shea doesn’t shy away telling the story of an alcoholic, sometimes violent Filipino-born father. Unwilling to move forward to embrace a society that does not acknowledge his past achievements. Marcus Rivera portrays a complex, angry father figure archetype. He has invested in Jovy a vulnerability, which stops the character from becoming a stereotype. Enough to maintain the tension and dramatic intent of the story.
The siblings, Lovia and Vergel are endearing and emotionally bound in finding their own way to fend for themselves, as their alcoholic father Jovy gets lost on his pride.
Chaya Ocampo (Lovia) and Joseph Raboy (Vergel) play the caring siblings. There’s tenderness and realism from both as they reveal their ‘what do I want to be’ dreams.
There was joy and optimism in Dindi Huckle-Moran’s depiction as Lou, a work colleague and best friend, turned love interest for Lovia. Huckle-Moran and Ocampo have a palpable chemistry when together. One of the highlights for me was the ‘deli’ scene, when both were reflecting on the experience with ‘the ladies who lunch’. Delivered with candour and stylised movement, it showcases the casual cruelty of an immigrant lived experience.
Kudos also to understudy Michelle Masefield who played as Wendy, due to Covid. Book in hand, the character revealed as thoughtful, endearing and selfless.
Kenneth Moraleda has led and thoughtfully crafted Shea’s writing into a thought provoking and timely piece. I would love to share more of my thoughts on Kwento’s Production of Ate Lovia but I urge you to see it, hear it and experience it.
Tickets from $34. Only until this Saturday, June 4.
(Production Photos: Clare Hawley)
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Roman Berry
Artistic Director - Divergent Theatre Collective
Melbourne/ London 2022
Collaborations:
Based on the 1984 film by Rusty Lemorande
A New Musical written and composed by Drew Lane
Produced by Music Theatre Melbourne
Director: Roman Berry
IT TASTES LIKE HOME (The Musical)
By Lorna Wells
Composed by Eudora Yutong Qiao
Divergent Theatre Collective in partnership
with The Bread & Roses Theatre (London)
Director: Roman Berry
FROM THE AUDIENCE
A game changing and refreshing play. Seeing Australian Filipino leads and hearing their stories is incredibly inspiring. I was brought to tears by Marcus Rivera during his emotional scenes. The whole cast displayed talent, passion and charisma. With references to my culture and renowned Filipino Australian performers being referred to. I felt a sense of belonging. That sense of belonging was very hard to find as I navigated through Australian audition processes in the late 80s and 90s. We have come far and it’s in these original Australian Filipino creations, we will continue to celebrate who we are and our excellence.
Tina Ranoso Bangel
Award winning founder and vocal coach of One Voice School of Singing. She currently conducts Little voices music and movement experiences at early learning centres.
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The storyline and actors did an extraordinary job to convey the emotion and sentiment of how many new Australians would have felt growing up in the 80 and 90s.
Reminds you of sacrifices made by our parents and how grateful I am to live in a country such as Australia. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Suzanne Michail
Australian Egyptian Suzanne Michail based in Sydney’s northwest , grew up surrounded with Filipino Australians over the years.
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Very impressive, emotional and reflective. It still amazes me how 5 extremely talented actors painted a picture as if there was hundreds in the cast telling our story.
Brian Lorenz
Life Coach and Wellness Trainer; Award winning Performer and Events Host
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Kudos to all involved in Ate Lovia. It is a story that resonates with a lot of us who had to face the challenges of adjusting and chasing our dreams in our new home country, and at the same time retaining values and our upbringing to be obedient and respectful of our parents. The collaboration of Jordan Shea (Playwright) and Kenneth Moraleda, (Director) was brilliant, with the authentic and honest dialogues, and the powerful delivery by the actors of their roles being mesmerising. All five actors (Chaya Ocampo, Joseph Raboy, Dindi Huckle-Moran, Michelle Masefield and Marcus Rivera) engaged the audience through to the end; with Marcus realistically delivering the two sides of Jovy, the father - drunkard and domineering, yet truly concerned about his children. Congrats too to all behind the scene.
Violi Calvert
Radio Tagumpay Producer and Co-Broadcaster; Freelance Writer