Today was the last day for Virgin Labfest 2015's Set A. Compared to Set D, it's a very different set in terms of content. Overall the quality is about consistent as the previous set. So how was it?
Uod, Butete at si Myrna begins with a rather shocking scene out of the blue. It does pay off later in the story, but from the start you know you're going to watch some heavy stuff. While it starts out a bit slow, we learn a lot about Myrna and Uod's predicament in the slums. Myrna is a prostitute who is, for all intents and purposes, a has-been. Uod is a speech impaired tricycle driver known more for his cowardice. Angeli Bayani does not play Myrna as sympathetic. She is a selfish (though not entirely horrible) being, much like the rest of the people in the play. Nevertheless, we learn enough of her plight that we do feel for her near the end. She's gone through a lot of bad shit, and all she really ever wanted from anyone was some form of attention. Such attention may come from either Ruben, her former policeman suki or from Uod, who seems earnest in his aim to take Myrna out of the slums. The play takes a dark turn that I strangely found funny in a blackly comic way. It certainly was a start to an interesting set.
Things get into science fiction territory with When Sam Met Jo. Two scientists meet on a rooftop during a company party. All is not as it seems, however, as one revelation after another (and a few funny 'reboots') reveal the scope of the entire thing. The dialogue is what sells this play, which maximizes the comic potential of the setup without getting too forced or cheesy. The two actors are okay, although I'm a bit more partial towards Chic San Agustin who plays Jo (sorry about that, Sam.) I'd have wanted something a little deeper in terms of what the characters are all about, but you can do only so much with a one act play. Overall, it's okay.
Set A wraps itself up with Dalawang Gabi. In terms of story, the play is the simplest of the three; it is a tale of unrequited love. It's also told in a comedic way, perhaps to offset the rather dark atmosphere of the first play in the set. Dalawang Gabi sells its story thanks to a great performance from Mean Espinosa as Debbie, who ups the comedic factor with a few well timed adlibs. As a character piece it works a bit better than the previous play, and this play does a few interesting things with mixing film and theater into one.
That's about it for Virgin Labfest for me this year. My first experience with the festival has shown me that it's a festival really worth going to. Hopefully I have the time and money to make it back again next year.
Uod, Butete at si Myrna begins with a rather shocking scene out of the blue. It does pay off later in the story, but from the start you know you're going to watch some heavy stuff. While it starts out a bit slow, we learn a lot about Myrna and Uod's predicament in the slums. Myrna is a prostitute who is, for all intents and purposes, a has-been. Uod is a speech impaired tricycle driver known more for his cowardice. Angeli Bayani does not play Myrna as sympathetic. She is a selfish (though not entirely horrible) being, much like the rest of the people in the play. Nevertheless, we learn enough of her plight that we do feel for her near the end. She's gone through a lot of bad shit, and all she really ever wanted from anyone was some form of attention. Such attention may come from either Ruben, her former policeman suki or from Uod, who seems earnest in his aim to take Myrna out of the slums. The play takes a dark turn that I strangely found funny in a blackly comic way. It certainly was a start to an interesting set.
Things get into science fiction territory with When Sam Met Jo. Two scientists meet on a rooftop during a company party. All is not as it seems, however, as one revelation after another (and a few funny 'reboots') reveal the scope of the entire thing. The dialogue is what sells this play, which maximizes the comic potential of the setup without getting too forced or cheesy. The two actors are okay, although I'm a bit more partial towards Chic San Agustin who plays Jo (sorry about that, Sam.) I'd have wanted something a little deeper in terms of what the characters are all about, but you can do only so much with a one act play. Overall, it's okay.
Set A wraps itself up with Dalawang Gabi. In terms of story, the play is the simplest of the three; it is a tale of unrequited love. It's also told in a comedic way, perhaps to offset the rather dark atmosphere of the first play in the set. Dalawang Gabi sells its story thanks to a great performance from Mean Espinosa as Debbie, who ups the comedic factor with a few well timed adlibs. As a character piece it works a bit better than the previous play, and this play does a few interesting things with mixing film and theater into one.
That's about it for Virgin Labfest for me this year. My first experience with the festival has shown me that it's a festival really worth going to. Hopefully I have the time and money to make it back again next year.
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