Written On A Canvas

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

"I didn't know this many people would come!" Sabrina, the lead, peeked on the curtain. She giggled in excitement as she turned to us.

It was the day of our show.

We were in the stage covered by the theatre curtain. Naka-circle kaming lahat para mag-prayer. I could sense the tension in each person in here as we bowed our heads and prayed led by Jake.

Nang matapos ay tumayo si Kuya Frank sa gitna.

"The night we've all been waiting for is finally here!" kinakabahan na untag nito. Pinagsalikop niya ang kaniyang kamay at iginagalaw-galaw habang nag-sasalita. "We worked our asses off for days, rehearsed for God knows how many times, and gave our one hundred percent effort just so this could be successful. You all are the best and I couldn't want any other casts and crews for this. So what do you say, we give them a show?" a challenging grin appeared on his face as he looked at us.

He was different from Kuya Adrian from last year, if I were to notice. If Kuya Adrian was fine with mistakes and backlogs, Kuya Frank isn't. He's strict... but he's efficient. There was no doubt he deserved the position he's in right now. Just like what I always say towards Theatre club presidents--he's the best man for the job.

"Let's give them a show!" they chorused. We put our hands together in the middle and simultaneously raised it up, shouting in joy, thrill, excitement, and anticipation.

Mabilis kaming nag-disperse. Nagsi-puntahan kaagad 'yong mga tao sa kani-kanilang gawain. Iyong mga light technicians ay pumunta na sa trabaho nila. The people in charge of the curtains went to their place, as well. Dahil playwright naman ako, I could help with anything I can. Kaya pinili kong tumabi kay Kuya Frank kung sakaling may ipapagawa siya sa akin.

Nakatayo lang kami sa left wing ng backstage at naghi-hintay lang ng 5 minutes bago magsimula ang show.

"Hindi pa kita napasasalamatan sa magandang scipt na sinulat mo, Isaiah. So thank you," mahinang saad ni Kuya Frank habang nakatingin lang sa mga nagha-handang aktor.

Alinlangan akong tumingin dito. "I just did my task, Kuya Frank..."

"I know. And you did great," sabi niya. "Next year, there will be a film festival. You should join. As a director, this time. Isn't that what you really signed up for in the Theatre club?"

That rendered me silent for a moment.

Really? A film festival? Does that mean I could get to make my own film? Does that mean I could direct it?

"Pero diba, Kuya, the succeeding club president should be a senior high?" I asked. "Grade 9 palang po ako next year."

Club presidents are automatically the director of the plays the club will perform. Pwede naman raw iba ang mag-direct pero so far, hindi pa iyon nangyari sa amin. I'm still a junior high school student so I couldn't be nominated as the club president. If the club will join in the said film festival, I can't still be the director. I can be a playwright, yes, but... I can't be what I really want to be.