Bedmaking

The art of bed making with our Princesses Yashodharas-- Antoinette and Johanna.

"Are you girls okay?"

Submitted by: Marie Antoinette Gorgonio

Marie Antoinette Gorgonio as Princess Yasodhara

1. Tell us something about yourself

I am Marie Antoinette R. Gorgonio, 22 years old and currently residing in Cebu, Philippines. I have an older brother, John Paul, who is 5 years older than me. I am a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. But as of the moment, I am having a grand time being a violin and voice teacher to kids. My favorite pastime include reading (loved books from author like Paulo Cuehlo, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, JRR Tolkien and most esp. the Bible which I read every night), walking, solving puzzles and answering Sudoko. (chuckles) I find joy in laughter and seeing people happy; more so when a person is inspired to do good because of the things that I do - singing, acting, dancing and playing music on stage and in churches. So I continue to want to learn more about these things. I love God and I offer all of my performances to Him as my way of praising Him.


2.Why did you audition for this play?

A friend told me about the Siddhartha musical and since some of my friends were auditioning, I also went along with them; and also because I love performing on stage. But it wasn't always like this. In the beginning, I love mostly doing backstage work. I was inspired with the work of the production crew --super busy communicating with directors and assisting the actors and singers--and when the show is over, they also feel a different kind of fulfillment.


3. What did you feel when you were chosen to be Princess Yasodhara?


I had mixed feelings of shock, wonder and excitement when I was chosen as one of the Princess Yasodharas. I wasn’t expecting it, hence, the shock. During the auditions I was imagining myself running from east to west, north to south, being a personal assistant to a famous singer or musician seemed to be really fun and fulfilling. Secondly, it’s wonderful because I have this chance to do something bigger than what I have ever done in the field of singing and acting. Thirdly, excitement as well because I felt that God wanted me to do something different that may somehow change the lives of others. Aside from all these, I was just so full of eagerness to learn more about my craft. I guess exploring and improvisations in life make me very much excited.

4. Have you had any musical theatre experience prior to this?


I’ve had experiences in singing, acting and dancing in school plays and minor productions. But Siddhartha Musical was my first major production. I was involved with our annual barangay road straightplay “Dalan sa Krus” when I was in high school. The story showed the life of Jesus in parallel to the modern life of people today.

A college professor discovered my skill in singing and he let me joined another school play called “Cry of the People”, depicting the life of Jose Rizal. This led me to enroll in a two-week theatre workshop by Michael Williams. Our culminating program was the “Godspell” musical.
I also participated in “Jesus Christ Superstar” and currently am involved with some choral groups in Cebu.

Johannah Lavajo as Princess Yasodhara

1. Tell us something about yourself.

I would rather have everyone call me by my nickname "HANNING" than mispronounce my first name "JOHANNAH"
I’m more of a night-person.
Bags and sandals are my stress-relievers!


2. Why did you decide to audition for Siddhartha?

My last theater production before Siddhartha was in 2004. So, when my good friend Jude Gitamondoc introduced this project to me months before this was officially opened for auditions, I promised to myself that I will do the auditions not even considering the soon-to-be conflicts on my work schedule! That was how much I missed theater arts!


3. What did you feel when you were chosen to take on the Princess Yasodhara role?

THEATER ARTS is the "love of my life". I enjoy every single time I'm on it. Whether I am an actor or one of the production crew ---- it all feels the same for me. But when I knew that I will be playing Yasodhara for the Taiwan shows, I was really excited yet the pressure of meeting everyone's expectations was even more overwhelming. I felt that it was slowly taking over my creativity but I was so fortunate to have a very good director --- Miss Daisy Baad and a very supportive Siddhartha family. They were all there --- they gave me the push to give it my best.


4. Have you had any musical experience prior to this?

I have been a part of several local theater productions, in which I have been privileged to do almost every aspect of theater arts --- from being an usherette, selling tickets, as house manager, as a sets and props staff, doing the makeup for the casts, production manager and actor. All these have empowered me in so many ways!

July 2007
Cast: Siddhartha: A Musical Journey to Enlightenment

November 2004
Cast: Bus Terminal

January 2004
Production Staff: KM 50, The Musical

November 2003
Cast: General Mickey, The Musical

June 2003
Cast: Our Town

January 2002
Production Manager: V-Day Cebu (Vagina Monologues)

















Siddhartha in Taiwan