Kakki Teodoro: On Living the Dream
“That’s where I feel most at home,” Kakki Teodoro shares.
There’s that one passion where you feel the most alive, where you feel yourself the most, and where you’d choose to be always. For actress Kakki, it’s none other than the theater, something she’s been doing for most of her life, with utmost zest and excitement.
In 2006, she made a decision to pursue the performing arts professionally, which led her to join Repertory Philippines, Hong Kong Disneyland. She eventually broadened her stints to new Filipino theater companies, including PETA, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Dulaang UP.
Recently, she has been casted as Lucinda, one of Cinderella’s step sisters, in the upcoming Manila production of Sondheim’s Into The Woods, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Expressing utter excitement on the show, the cast, and the art, Kakki lets out a sparkle in her eyes that tells us how much it means to her to be experiencing this now: “I think it’s really incredible that a lot of people are coming home to celebrate this. It’s a big celebration of Filipino artistry, I feel. That’s why we’re all just so pumped.”
Combined with her recent win in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Fest’s Best Supporting Actress for Isang Himala, luck seems to be very much on her side.
Except that it isn’t just luck that brought the success that she is enjoying right now. “Luck” comes to those who work for it and who pay their dues. Kakki Teodoro has certainly done her part to be ready for the opportunities that are coming her way. Exhibit A: film and television.
Film, Television and Winning Best Supporting Actress
“Dahil sarado ang mga teatro. And I felt like I needed to act. My mental health was not okay,” she narrates. “I needed to pursue acting and try it on a different platform. So, naisip ko kung hindi muna babalik ang teatro, then let me start, let me finally pursue film, let me take on roles…and for television.”
Though these platforms were new to her, Kakki was willing to learn, “basta umaarte tayo.” she recounts.
Nimia from Isang Himala (directed by Pepe Diokno from a script he co-wrote with Ricky Lee), was one of the characters she auditioned for. In the movie and the play, Nimia is a prostitute who opened her own nightclub in the strange town of Cupang. Kakki had already played the character for theater, and shared that it was a dream role that she had really wanted to play. Lo and behold, she got the part. This part would eventually get her the win for MMFF,” something that she wasn’t expecting at all.
“Ako si Kakki, at ako ay galing sa mundo theatro.” Those meaningful words filled the Solaire Grand Ballroom, when she received her award. It was a very meaningful moment for Kakki and the theater community, wherein the passion and love for the artform was given an embrace.
Navigating the Theater World
“So, it’s a really good time to be doing theater. I think after the pandemic talaga,it was such a renaissance and it keeps on growing. We thought 2024 was already crazy, full lineup-wise, but this year is incredible,” Kakki shares.
So how exactly do we pursue it?
First, prepare.
“If you’re auditioning for a musical or a play, siyempre dapat alam mo yung material. At least you do a bit of research sa director or sa kung ano ang kanyang style. Because there are directors who’ll really be strict with material, or who like to do a lot of choreography, a lot of movement,” she advises.
“Like, just an example, a Dexter Santos musical or a play, you know, a musical will have a lot of movement. So, marami siyang requirements sa body. So, you have to prepare physically for that.
…or if it’s Rick Lee material, you, available naman na yan. Napublish na. Get the material, read it, and make sure na you’re auditioning for a character, and it’s very clear sa’yo.”
She also explains that one has to find the balance between artistic fulfillment, financial stability, and balance, pointing out that being financially aware is also key to sustaining a career. Eventually, through experience and mentors, one will understand how to navigate.
“Joy is my currency. Pursuing art is not an easy thing. It’s a tough decision. Pero, if it gives you joy and fulfillment, parang, at the end of it all, I think it’s worth it,” she shares.
Indeed, Kakki Teodoro is an example that if you have the opportunity to come home to your passion, you grab it! Be willing to do the work. Be willing to fight for it. After you do, pay it forward to the next dreamer.
Watch the video.
