The “About Us But Not About Us” actors defend using their platform to speak truth.
Elijah Canlas and Kobie Brown are pushing back against the idea that artists should stay silent on political issues simply because they are entertainers.
In an exclusive radar Entertainment interview, the two actors were asked why some Filipinos become uncomfortable when their idols speak about politics and advocacies, amid artists using their platforms to address the ongoing crisis in the Philippine government.
For Elijah, the discomfort may come from confronting uncomfortable realities.
“I think the general public, they’re uncomfortable facing the truth and the facts no matter who it comes from,” he said. “We artists, we reflect society, we tell stories about society, and politics, and whatever that comes with it. So, I think it is our job to speak up and use that influence to speak truth to power and try to enlighten.”
He also challenged the notion that artists have no place discussing politics.
“‘Wala ka naman alam, artists ka e. Actor ka, anong alam mo tungkol sa politics?’ Edi sabihin mo sa doctor, ‘Anong alam mo tungkol sa politics, gumagamot ka lang?’ Pero politics, we’re all involved. Mamamayan tayong lahat ng bansang ’to and we all have the right to speak up.”
Kobie echoed the sentiment.
“We have the platform, we have the influence to spread awareness. I mean, why not use it in the right way? If anyone can talk about it, why can’t we?”
The comments come as the two prepare to alternate as Lancelot in the October return of Jun Robles Lana’s psychological drama “About Us But Not About Us.”
The play runs from October 2 to 25 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.
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