Margarita 'Yanah' Laurel plays Maria Makiling, the daughter of god who descends to earth.

Margarita Angela Laurel shares her family’s love for the arts as she joins the final celebration of University of the Philippines-Los Baños’ centennial through a theatre production titled “Teginef/A Dream Play.”

Yanah, as her family and friends call her, comes from a line of artists. Brother Franco and uncle Cocoy have performed in Repertory Philippines productions and are accomplished singers. Cousin Rajo is a noted fashion designer. Fueled by her passion and love for theater, she has participated in Brent International School Manila’s annual major theatre productions such as Bye Bye Birdie, No No Nannette, My Fair Lady, Grease, and Godspell.

She will be playing the lead role of Maria Makiling who descends to earth and encounters the many misfortunes of man. Adapted by Emmanuel Dumlao from August Strindberg’s A Dream Play and directed by Dennis Gupa, this play portrays a community wherein reality dissolves into a dream and dreams assume the character of reality, making the two indistinguishable.

Yanah was nominated twice for Aliw Awards Best Stage Actress in a Musical for her performances in Grease (2006) and Godspell (2007). Her stage play credits include Lives (SK Entertainment), Cinderella Jr. and Mulan Jr. (Repertory Phlippines), and Hairspray (Atlantis Productions). She was last seen in Atlantis’ production of the Tony award-winning rock musicalSpring Awakening last October of 2009 where she played the role of Thea.

Proceeds of this production will go to the UPLB Centennial Artists Endowment Fund, a project to develop artists and benefit artistic groups within UPLB. Currently a BA Communication Arts student of UPLB, Yanah says, “I feel honored being part of this event and being able to support the Artists Endowment Fund.”

Teginef/A Dream Play will be staged on March 10-12 at DL Umali Hall, UPLB, Los Banos, Laguna. For details, contact Michael Francis Falconi at 0906-5572316.