Monique Wilson

Acclaimed theatre actress Monique Wilson of “Miss Saigon” fame, stars in a controversial new play – “My Name is Rachel Corrie” – produced by the New Voice Company which will be staged at the Music Museum today and tomorrow (Sept. 3 and 4). “My Name Is Rachel Corrie,” edited by Alan Rickman and Katharine Viner and taken from the writings of Rachel Corrie herself, tells the story of her short life and sudden death from the words she left behind.

Rachel Corrie was an American peace activist from Olympia, Washington, who was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer on March 16, 2003, while undertaking non-violent direct action to protect the home of a Palestinian family from demolition.

Shortly after her death, several of her e-mails from Gaza were published in a number of media outlets, including in the Guardian UK. British actor and director Alan Rickman was so moved by them that he approached the Royal Court Theatre about finding a way to tell Rachel’s story onstage. A year after her death, Corrie’s family sent the theatre 184 pages of documents: copies of Rachel’s letters, e-mails and journals – some dating back to her childhood.

Guardian journalist Katharine Viner was brought on board to work with Rickman at editing the material into a play. The two decided to let Rachel’s story be told in her own words.

In April 2005, “My Name is Rachel Corrie,” directed by Rickman and performed by Megan Dodds, opened at the Royal Court Theatre, and became the fastest – selling play in the theatre’s history, selling out two complete runs before transferring to the West End the following year. The play was critically acclaimed and won the Theatregoers’ Choice Awards for Best Director, Best New Play and Best Solo Performance.

The Asian premiere of “My Name is Rachel Corrie” is directed by New Voice Company Associate Artistic Director Rito Asilo, acclaimed for his productions of Eve Ensler’s “The Good Body,” “Into the Woods,” “Frozen,” “Stones In His Pocket,” “Sacrilege,” “Cabaret,” “The Male Voice” and “The Vagina Monologues” with Light Design by Martin Esteva, Set Design by Denis Lagdameo and Technical Direction by Jamie Wilson. Rossana Abueva is the show’s Executive Producer.

“My Name is Rachel Corrie” celebrates Monique’s 30 years in theatre, and New Voice Company’s 16th anniversary year. The Manila production begins an Asian tour of the play.

Monique, fresh from a recent trip to Palestine and back in Manila for a few weeks to star in the play, is currently Head of the MA/MFA Acting for International students course at the East 15 Acting School in England where she is now based. East 15 Acting School is a member of the Conference of Drama Schools in the UK. She has just finished directing Martin Crimp’s “Attempts On Her Life” at the Actor’s Centre, London, and Federico Garcia Lorca’s “Doña Rosita the Spinster” at the Battersea Arts Centre, London. Both productions featured international artists from all over the world.

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Honey Blanca in ‘666 Part 2’

Honey Blanca was noticed for her splendid performance in the well-crafted horror movie “666,”written and directed by Celso Ad Castillo. Honey is grateful for what she considers a fruitful year for her, career-wise. 2010 is probably her best year so far in showbiz.

“It is the Lord who is the source of all that I have achieved, of what I am today,” the actress said. Honey recently sat down with director Danny Zialcita to brainstorm with him for her follow-up movie entitled “666 Part 2.”

Honey’s PRO Rudy dela Peña said “With director Danny Zialcita, Honey is in good hands. We all know of his accomplishments as a movie director. His determination and self-confidence had given him a certain level of recognition, durability and stability. He is certainly one of the best we have.”

By the way, the movie “666” is still showing in Manila and suburbs and Honey Blanca said she is very thankful to Brando Legaspi, Engr. Bong Pablico of JCB Camec and Engr. Jimmy Chan of Region 8, Tacloban City for their cooperation and support for making this movie successful.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Sept. 3 go to, Nonoy Zuñiga, Malu Barry, Lito Galang, Cion Reyes, Romy Navarro, Danny Mañalac of Canada, Cecille N. Bello, Ma. Cristina S. Timbol, Bong Panlilio, Nona Aquino Ventura, Nene Rogacion, MB’s Ronniel de Guzman and Aris Ilagan, Aristeo Demavivas, Mrs. Babbot Armas of New York, Francisca D. Montefalco – Dist. Supervisor of Urdaneta Pangasinan, Joanna M. Isidro, Jam Morales, Jeannette Joaquin (Maria Teresa Medalla), Mary Grace P. Llamanzares and Daphne Cortes of Star Magic. Happy wedding anniversary to Jorge and Baby Banal.