This play has a very short title, one single word with four letters, yet, it is a very brave title. This word "Cock" is very provocative in its simplicity. I am pretty sure potential audiences would NOT be thinking that this play would be about roosters upon hearing that title.
Red Turnip Theater stays true to its vision of providing audiences with the most thought-provoking straight plays out there. Its maiden production last October was a heavy complicated play with four characters -- Patrick Marber's 1997 masterpiece "Closer." Its second production now is another emotional tussle, and also with only four characters -- Mike Bartlett's 2009 award-winning play "Cock".
John (Topper Fabregas) has been in a homosexual relationship for the past seven years with M (Niccolo Manahan). One day, John meets and unexpectedly falls seemingly in love with a female teaching assistant W (Jenny Jamora). This tense love triangle sets up a dinner meeting one night in order for John to make his final decision. The insecure M made sure he had reinforcement, so he decided to invite his dad F (Audie Gemora) over as well for moral support and then some.
The auditorium in Whitespace was sparse. The 'stage" was just a red circle on the floor. No other set pieces nor props were employed. The actors just pretend and act out like they were going in and out of doors to different rooms. Their coats, their furniture and the dinner which they were partook in were all imaginary. The script was so good, it could stand on its own with those witty conversations and bitter arguments from the mouths of talented actors. Such is the good fortune of Rem Zamora in his directorial debut. He intuitively knew that in stage a play like this, less is more.
With his wide-eyed earnest face, Topper Fabregas seems to be really born to play these lost, naive and innocent characters. Such were his roles in Repertory Philippines' "Boeing Boeing" and "The Producers". He adds more dimensions to this type of character with his role here as John in "Cock." He has a difficult decision to make, and we are all eager to know how he will decide. Fabregas succeeds to draw us into his unenviable predicament and his difficult choice.
I do not think I have seen Jenny Jamora in a play before. She is positively delightful as W. She needed to project such unique feminine charms to actually convince us that a professed gay man fall in lust (and possibly even love) with her. Jamora does just that.
I also have not seen Niccolo Manahan act before. As M, he was really good being controlling and condescending before towards John. Now, as he desperately tries to win John back, he could not resist provoking an "ultimate bitch fight" to the end. Manahan has his claws out!
Veteran actor Audie Gemora plays M's supportive dad F. I have always seen Gemora in an offbeat period role in a musical, like Sweeney Todd or Roger De Bris (in "The Producers"). I think this would be the first time I have seen him in a modern role in a straight play. This man is really so versatile. His sense of comedic timing is really on point, so funny.
Congratulations to Rem Zamora and the rest of the Red Turnip behind the scenes crew for the success of "Cock". Looking forward to their next production as they enter their second season later this year. More power to Red Turnip Theater!
"Cock" will be staged at Whitespace (2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension, Makati) on March 7, 14, 21 , 28 and April 4 (Fridays, 9 pm); March 8, 15, 29 and April 5 (Saturdays, 8 pm); March 9, 16, 23 and April 6 (Sundays, 4 pm). There will also be a 4 pm show on Saturday April 5, and a special closing gala on Sunday April 6, 8 pm.
Tckets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) or email Red Turnip Theater via redturniptheater@gmail.com.
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