The fight for inclusivity, equality, and acceptance for members of the LGBTQIA+ community is a long and continuous one, and for creatives, the way to push and advocate for our much-needed progress is through the platforms they know best.
For new theater company Barefoot Theatre Collaborative, this means shining the spotlight on narratives that revolve around the LGBTQIA+ experience. After a successful run of “Mula sa Buwan” in 2022, the company is set to begin their second theater season with “Pride Plays,” which features the plays “Unica Hijas” and “Laro.”
“Unica Hijas” is a one-act play originally staged in June last year as part of the Virgin Labfest. Written by Mikaela Regis, the play follows two girls who are “called into the principal’s office after they were caught by a nun in an almost-kiss.” It explores themes of love, self-discovery, and identity.
The play will feature Ash Nicanor and Joy Delos Santos, and will be directed by Gawad Buhay award winning director Pat Valera.
The play will be produced alongside acclaimed writer/director Floy Quintos’ “Laro,” a reimagination of “La Ronde” by Arthur Schnitzler. “Laro,” meanwhile, explores various gay relationships through vignettes of 10 different characters.
“Laro” will feature Phi Palmos, Gio Gahol, Jojo Cayabyab, Al Gatmaitan, Mike Liwag, Ross Pesigan, Noel Escondo, Andre Miguel, Shaun Ocrisma, Jeremy Majores, Lawrence Miranda, Nathan Molina, DM Lee, and Andre Cruz. It will be directed by John Mark Yap.
Pride Plays will run every weekend from June 10 to 25 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati.