June 20, 2024
Playwright: Joshua Lim So
Director: José Estrella
At the height of the Covid pandemic, the medical staff of the island hospital -- two nurses (Elora Espano and Wena Nagales) and one doctor (Timothy Mabalot) -- had already been on duty for more than 24 hours attending to an endless stream of patients. To make things worse, they were running out of oxygen supply for their tanks. Pushed to the wall to prioritize the remaining supply, the doctor made a tough decision that only the three of them knew.
This is the most serious play of the 10 shows I had watched. The topic of the play had no room for any humor at all, and So wisely steered clear of that, going against the popular trend at VLF. Urgent, gritty and realistic, the actors made the audience relive the stress and tears of the pandemic, not only for health professionals, but also those who watched their loved ones expire from lack of oxygen, as represented by the Watcher (Gold Villar-Lim).
Playwright: Ara Jenika Vinzon
Director: Charles Yee
It was 1943 in Abucay, Bataan. Odeng (Pau Benitez) was a journalist who wrote news about the war. Her best friend, guerilla rebel Erlinda (Chase Salazar) passed by Odeng's office so she can have her hair curled and her face made up. Their lunchtime conversation turned serious when Erlinda told Odeng that her writing is being censored so that it would feel like pro-Japanese propaganda, something that Odeng vehemently disagreed with.
"Remember Erlinda" was apparently a battle cry for Filipinos fighting in the Battle of Bataan during World War 2. Honestly, this was the first time I have heard of this historical fact. Good thing, the play reminded us of Erlinda's tragic story before the story proper. It was admittedly confusing when you hear Odeng called her friend Erlinda, but you eventually understand that this play was trying to give Erlinda a more heroic story than what really happened.
Playwright: Chesie Galvez-Cariño
Director: Paul Morales
Anna (Liesl Batucan) was a society matron who loved ballroom dancing as her outlet to escape the drudgery of her daily life with husband Mark. Her favorite dance instructor had been Diego (JC Santos), who was currently training Anna the foxtrot for an upcoming competition. However, Diego informed Anna that he was endorsing her to his fellow DI Gino because he was going to the States to get married.
Santos and Batucan were already limbering up onstage even when the play had not yet begun. Director Paul Morales took advantage his dance background to make the dancing scenes spectacular to witness. Santos was lithe and limber as Diego, as he projected sex appeal with over-the-top dance moves. The heart of this show was definitely Batucan, so effortlessly lovable and delightful, it was impossible not to side with her.
This was my favorite of Set C.
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