Advertisement

Suzette Doctolero on Badjao representation in "Sahaya"

8 Apr – Suzette Doctolero recently stated that the reason Rita Gaviola is not playing the lead in the Kapuso drama, "Sahaya" was because she is not ready for it.

As reported on Inquirer, the GMA head writer gave such response following a comment made by a netizen questioning why the "Badjao Girl" herself is relegated to a supporting role next to Bianca Umali in a drama about a woman of the said ethnicity.

Doctolero tweeted, "Rita is the only Sama Dilaut artist we have, but she is not yet ready for a lead role."

"Also, I don't buy that the artiste playing the role has to be a Badjao. That's why they're an artiste, because they're trained to tackle different roles. That's their job," she continued.

When the same netizen commented that the show's goal of representing the said ethnic group would not be successful by not giving a Badjao girl the role, Doctolero stated that by that logic, Irish actor Liam Neeson shouldn't be playing the German Oskar Schindler in "Schindler's List" and Meryl Streep shouldn't have the need to learn different accents for her roles anymore.

"One needs only the sensibility to understand what his role is, and I believe the artists of "Sahaya" are able to fulfill this," she said, adding that the network still needs to sell a show.

(Photo Source: Rita Gaviola Instagram)