December 13, 2024
Kendra (Thea Marabut) had a loving family around her. Her mother Alice (Peewee O'Hara) loved baking muffins, knitting scarves, and girls night outs. Her father Bob (Soliman Cruz) was an ever-supportive dad who dutifully took care of everyone's needs. Her elder brother Ben (Joshua Cabiladas) was married with kids and a medical doctor, but he would never miss a family game night. However, Kendra still felt there was something missing in her life.
Kendra is the central character of this play, but she seemed to be the most distant from the other members of her family. I knew Thea Marabut from her videos with the hilarious SPIT Manila improv comedy troupe, so her pensive moods here were a revelation of her range. The mother always tried to bring her family together, and Peewee O'Hara's Alice always tried her best to a fault, even if she had to suppress the crisp cuss words she wanted to say.
The father character had the vaguest description, with very generic requirements, like "he takes care of all of us." As a result, Soliman Cruz actually had the least "moments" with Kendra. This detail may reflect how little we may know about our fathers, except as a provider. The brother character was supposed to be the fun guy, and Joshua Cabiladas certainly fit the bill. However, the "fun guy" may not always be having fun behind his smiling mask.
"Nagkatuwaan sa Tahanang Ito" is the Filipino translation of Sam Walsh's play "This House Is for Laughing," written and directed by Guelan Luarca. The title may make audiences expect a riotous comedy, but it is not really that, which may be disorienting. Yes, there were funny bits here and there. However, the overall atmosphere of this play was one of depression and uneasiness, not exactly the picture of the perfect family that the happy title may suggest.
This play was about the idealistic expectations we have from the other members of our family. We do not have a choice about who our family members are, or how they are as immediate relations. If society allowed us to program exactly what how we want our parents and siblings to be, will this finally bring us the elusive happiness we cannot find from our real families? This material is potentially triggering to those who may not be happy with their family.
***********
Mad Child Productions' "Nagkatuwaan sa Tahanang Ito" runs at the Black Box Theater, Old Communication Building, Ateneo de Manila University. This is a limited run of only 8 shows: December 12, 13,and 15 at 5:00 PM and December 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15 at 8:00 PM. Tickets at P1000 each.
Additional show for December 15 at 1:00 PM just announced!
No comments:
Post a Comment