Watch Private Lives on March 21 and 22, and Sole Survivor on March 28 and 29
Repertory Philippines (REP) opens its anticipated 89th Season with the debut of REP Unplugged. Designed to bring the audience closer to the actors, this innovative series offers reimagined staged readings, stripping away grand sets to focus on the raw power of performance and text.
“Our goal is to create a more intimate and immersive theatrical experience, where the boundaries between performer and audience are softened,” says Mindy Perez-Rubio, REP President and CEO. “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.”
With the theme “By love, transformed” anchoring the entire season’s line-up, REP Unplugged presents two sophisticated plays featuring some of theater’s most notable names.
REP’s Artistic Director Jeremy Domingo points out that “It is a deliberate choice to do two radically different pieces divided by an entire century.” He continues, “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.”
Private Lives on March 21 and 22 counts Missy Maramara and Alfredo Reyes in the lead roles of this witty 1930s comedy of manners. Divorced couple Elyot (Reyes) and Amanda (Maramara) accidentally find themselves in adjoining hotel suites while on honeymoon with their respective new spouses, reigniting a volatile and chaotic passion.
The cast is rounded out by Karylle Tatlonghari and Hans Eckstein, who play the new spouses Sibyl and Victor respectively, and Sevee Eslabra as Louise, the quirky and disdainful maid who offers a grounded contrast to the posh main characters. Written by Noël Coward, REP Unplugged’s Private Lives is directed by Jeremy Domingo.
On March 28 and 29, Sole Survivor, the new play by Patricia Manuel Go, makes its Philippine debut through REP Unplugged.
Giannina Ocampo Van Hoven, Markki Stroem, Naths Everett, Ring Antonio, Chesko Rodriguez, and Becca Coates make up the cast of this fascinating story that follows Filipino-Brit twins Nina and Anton Wilde on a comic yet ruthless journey from Makati to Manhattan, centered around an obsession with a single designer shoe.
With Cara Barredo directing, Go is thrilled to present Sole Survivor to Philippine theater audiences. “Bursting with excitement doesn’t quite cover it. The REP stage is the perfect place to debut Sole Survivor because I write in English and have a sensibility very similar to REP’s. I grew up watching all their productions.”
Go adds, “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?”
Barredo says that she was immediately drawn to how bold and specific the story is. “It’s funny on the surface, but underneath, it’s asking real questions about ambition, survival, and value.” As for being the production’s first-ever director, Barredo considers it a thrill and honor, “It’s exciting because there’s no blueprint yet. We’re discovering who the characters are in real time, discovering them before anyone else has seen them and that kind of first exploration is always special.”
REP Unplugged’s Private Lives on March 21 and 22, and Sole Survivor on March 28 and 29 will both be at 7:00 PM at the REP Eastwood Theater in Eastwood CityWalk 2, Quezon City.
The audience can expect special features including some guests being seated on stage, interactive elements, and a Q&A Talkback for post-performance discussions. Wine and refreshments will also be made available to guests as they watch the performance.
Tickets available include the following: Two-Show Bundle at P3,000, Single Show at P1,500, Student Price Two Show Bundle at P 1,000 and Student Price Single Show at P500. Purchase your REP Unplugged tickets now at Ticketworld and Ticket2Me. To avail the special prices, students can present their ID at the REP Box Office or purchase their tickets through REP’s social media channels.
For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.
