"C" the Virgin

What's with the big C?

Coincidence!

Set C of VLF 8 has only one interesting play included in the Set E of VLF 9.

But not anymore!

With a clean conscience, I declare Set C of VLF 9 the Set E of VLF 10.

Let me count the ways.

If Cooking Could Kill

In Pamamanhikan, two grannies contemplate on their crossroads of coping with a daughter's " ma petit chou" and the complexities of their closeness as they cook. The intensity of Ester's anger triggered Ama Quiambao's heart attack, ensuing suspense and closing the curtain only to be opened five days later. (To help her recover, click.) Hermie Concepcion came in to resurface Ester in her dignified reading. Carme Sanchez continued creating tensions, cracking punchlines and concocting curiosities being Ibyang. Bernadette Villanueva Neri's cryptics morphed into the gateway of the taboo while JK Anicoche's technique convinced me to watch it twice. Who would have thought coming out would be more fun?


Identity Crisis

In Ambong Abo, two daughters are crying their hearts out as their father cries out his true identity in Central Park, New York. Madeline Nicholas' Dolly, who embodies modernity perceived in the eyes of a middle aged woman, and Stella Cañete's Magda, who exemplifies tradition in the face of the new generation, are bonded with their father, Ambo, played by Joe Grutas, and his dreams and hopes to move on in their hometown. Roobak Valle's mise en scene complements and supplements Em Mendez's triviality. Who would have thought it made my friend cry?


Conspiracy Completed

In Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, two sisters clash in a reccuring conflict as one is being confronted with true love as the other carries her old predicaments in carrying out her new life's mission. Kiki Baento's Mely is a real life comic Cinderella that still charms the crowd while Hans Eickstein's Leading Man justifies his extraordinary Prince Charming prowess. Skyzx Labastilla drove everybody crazy from being the dumb blond Viva to the dominatrix Malevolence. Chris Martinez's creative cookiness carved Carlo Vergara a.k.a. CarVer's first play into a possible prequel to a progressive Philippine superhero franchise. Who would have thought theater turned 3D?


Costing Php 300 a ticket, catch them tonight, July 5, at 10 pm in CCP's Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

C U!