“As Creative Director, Njel will teach everything he knows about acting for the theater. He is the new actor’s coach and mentor, and probably his or her worst critic. He scares them on the first interview, but really, he just tells it like it is.”
-Roda Novenario, FUDGE Magazine (Oct04)
"Jaunty, young and very intense, Njel, 24, exudes the determination of a person driven and displays the idealism usually associated with those unsullied by life’s realities.”
-Alma Anonas, STARweek Main Feature (22June03)
“Nais ni Njel de Mesa ibigay ang isang payak at palasak na palabas, isang uri ng teatro na intimate at marahil pampamiilya. Bilang total performer na aktor, direktor, singer, writer, koryograper all-rolled-into-one, pambihira ang enerhiya at dedikasyon ni Njel sa kanyang sining. Ang dagdag gawain niya ay magsanay o magbigay ng training para sa mga grupo ng kabataan sa Payatas. Ingles ang gamit ni Niel para umapila ng donasyon sa manunuod habang sumasayaw at kumakanta pagkatapos ng curtain call. This is a humbling gesture of a theater artistic director not having qualms to solicit support for the vision he believes in. GREAT SOUL, GREAT GUTS, GREAT GUY. Nakakahawa ang kanyang sigla, saya, at passion para sa teatro. Niel is fit, bubbling with enthusiasm in sharing his plans and vision to every willing pair of ears that would listen to him. Wala siyang arte, hindi mahirap kausapin, hingan ng tulong pamproduksyon at sinsero palaganapin ang galing ng teatro para sa mahihirap.”
-Aurora Veronika, Abante Tonite Sunday Special (8 Jan 06)
“Suppressed Desires and Stealth Mode are definitely better alternatives to seeing movies riddled with too much special effects to compensate for bad acting. Add the fact that it is the only intimate theater in the country and, as overheard, the perfect date venue. And in terms of performance, Njel de Mesa leaves nothing to be desired.”
-Denice de Guzman, Fudge Magazine Issue#2 Yr.2/2005
“Njel de Mesa deserves to be recognized, not only in entertaining and training people, but also in their belief that the common person can entertain no matter what one’s background may be. They have proven that theater is always the best place where you can find good character acting and story telling, just as long as you are true to the art and to yourself.”
-Eunice Malijan, Fudge Magazine Issue#9 2005
“De Mesa delivers a comic twist to these two plays [Red Carnations and The Case Of the Crushed Petunias], which would otherwise be interpreted much differently in the hands of a conventional director. It would be interesting to see what other works he can re-envision as comedies.”
-Anna Gan, Fudge Magazine Issue#8 2005
“What makes [it] engaging, albeit its basic plot, is director Njel’s idea of casting kids who are perhaps even younger than 12 years old. Although these two stories revolve on simple plots, the actors’ exceptional acting made these presentations ultimately absorbing. We’re hoping to see more of these artists in more productions…”
-Lilith, Fudge Magazine Issue#6 2005
“Frantic and funny, the comedy has you doubled over from the first minute to the last, you have to be thankful it’s pretty swift or you’ll be passing gas all the way home.”
-Mayee Corpin, clickthecity.com, 28 Dec 2005
“Koiné’s uncanny ability to create original plays that will tickle our society’s funny bones is unparalleled!”
-ClicktheCity.com, Arts&Culture feature, Oct2005
“Excellent treatment of both plays (S.A.W.I. and Starring Miss Lea Salonda). Just when you thought theater necessitates the proverbial outlandish acting, the thespians pull off something quite natural and real. The intimate setting redefines the theater-going experience in almost the same manner that DVD revolutionized personal cinema. Putting two diverse performances together is a testament to Njel’s sheer virtuosity, exacting a complete 180 degree, from juvenile musings to sophisticated parody.”
-Chito Domingo, Fudge Magazine Issue#4 2005
“Whether or not you have been a victim of irritable bowel syndrome and/or have experienced the complexities of Filipino courtship, viewers will surely love these one-act plays by the witty Njel de Mesa.”
-Aina Luna, Fudge Magazine yr.2, Iss.6 Feb2006
“When Njel de Mesa speaks, it is with a passion that carries his voice far across the restaurant we’re in, and turns the heads of people in the neighboring tables. We are joined by several of his kids, an energetic bunch who regard their DireQ with a little awe, and as much love as they can muster. Between teacher and students, there is an easy camaraderie that is regularly punctuated by laughter. There is an intensity about the 27-year-old, especially when he talks about his kids, an almost palpable forcefulness of character possessed only by those blessed with zeal, with a rich, deep and unshakeable faith.”
-Raymz Maribojoc, STARweek Vol.XX no.19, June 18, 2006
Sensitively-handled direction, enthusiastic actors and good material. Definitely worth fighting Kamuning rush hour traffic for a few blissful hours of cathartic stress-free entertainment.”
-Anna Gan, Fudge review Sept2006
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