‘REP Unplugged’ explores love, bare text through stage readings
Stories of love will be spotlighted in REP Unplugged, where an immersive theatrical performance through dramatic readings to “bring the audience closer to the actors,” will be staged on March 21, 22, 28, and 29.
The upcoming production opens the 89th season of Repertory Philippines, where its lineup features Noël Coward’s “Private Lives” and Patricia Manuel Go’s “Sole Survivor,” set to be staged at its Eastwood Theater at the in Eastwood CityWalk 2 in Quezon City.
According to REP president and CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio, the upcoming stagings creates a “more intimate and immersive theatrical experience” where the audience will be exposed to the impact of text and performance without the use of sets.
“By inviting some guests to be seated on stage, incorporating interactive elements, and fostering dialogue through post-performance discussions, we aim to cultivate a sense of inclusivity and reaffirm our commitment to explore innovative theatrical forms,” she said in a press release.
“Private Lives” will be staged on March 21 and 22, with Missy Maramara, Alfredo Reyes, Karylle, and Hans Eckstein as the cast. The play tells the story of divorced couple Elyot (Reyes) and Amanda (Maramara) accidentally finding themselves in adjoining rooms at the same hotel with their respective new partners.
Meanwhile, “Sole Survivor” stars Giannina Ocampo Van Hoven, Markki Stroem, Naths Everett, Ring Antonio, Chesko Rodriguez, and Becca Coates. It will be staged on March 28 and 29.
The Go-helmed play revolves around Filipino-British twins Nina and Anton Wilde taking a road trip from Makati and Manhattan in search of a single designer shoe. Speaking about its storyline, the playwright said the play talks about how actions reveal one’s true intentions.
“I’d like them [the audience] to start thinking about the fact that our actions show what we believe and value more than our words. Especially in this time of corruption, what do we believe about how the world’s resources should be shared?” she said.
In a statement, the production company’s artistic director Jeremy Domingo said the choice of plays was made deliberately.
“It is a deliberate choice to do two radically different pieces divided by an entire century. In these plays, we offer both nostalgia—a familiar taste of ‘old Rep’ drawing-room comedies—and a surge forward with thoughtful, contemporary modern-day satire,” he said.
After the staging of the plays, a talkback session will be held, allowing the audience to discover more about the creative process and theatrical production. /cb
