I have been wanting to watch this play ever since I had read it. The script was sent to me by a friend two years ago. Little did I know that it had won a Palanca Award only that previous year. I had thought it was written years ago. Perhaps, in the 50's.
As a barkada tradition, Jigs and Yumi were made to be locked in a room for three days. As they started to get comfortable, Jigs proposes that they play the game "Twenty Questions". Each of them gets to ask ten questions each alternately, unallowed to ask a question already asked by the other.
Reading the script was an event for me. I loved the sincerity of how the characters told their respective stories as they answered each question as honestly as they can. I could really see the background of the two characters, based on their stories and experiences, making me realize what they're like and where they came from.
The play was almost exactly as I had imagined it. A lot of parts were changed and removed but the jist was still in place. Frankie Pascua as Yumi was outstanding. She captured Yumi's character better than I had imagined and expected. It was as if she, herself, was Yumi and that she, herself, exprienced what Yumi experienced. It was almost like she wasnt acting anymore. Every line and every move came so naturally to her. I give her a 10 out of 10 for that.
However, Rhenz Gabalonzo as Jigs came off short than Frankie as Yumi. I didnt quite feel the sincerity of the things he was saying. I saw him merely play his character, say his lines with an effort and only hear what Yumi has to say without listening or even looking into her eyes, as if he was only waiting for his cue. What I like about him though is his snappy ability to come up with ad libs. His performance wasnt all that bad, it's just that I had expected more from him. Jigs was, in fact, my favored character in the play when I had read the script. Also, he dropped his lapel mic and even let out an accidental "argh" as it fell for the second time.
The technicals and the stage managing were pleasingly simple. The set was also almost how I imagined it and all the little details were appropriate.
The play was written by Juan Ekis and directed by Christian Vallez. They are actually the same person having Juan Ekis as Chris Valle's pseudonym. It is being staged at the Center for Arts, 100 Timog Ave., Quezon City (near GMA). Remaining playdates are every Friday (21 and 28) at 7:00 pm and every Saturday (22 and 29) at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm of July. Tickets are at P200 for reserved tickets and P250 for non-reserved tickets.
Life is too precious para lang daanin sa trial and error. -Jigs
