MANILA, Philippines—Critics, theater aficionados and those who loved the movie version are one in praising Red Turnip Theater’s maiden production, the staging of Patrick Marber’s acclaimed play “Closer.”
Now those who haven’t seen it only have two final weekends, with additional 8 pm Sunday shows.
Directed by Ana Abad Santos, the cast features Angel Aquino, Marc Abaya, Bart Guingona and Cris Villonco.
While it has enjoyed numerous productions all around the world, general audiences may be most familiar with the work due to its 2004 film adaptation by Mike Nichols that starred Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen. With this production, Red Turnip Theater offers audiences the chance to experience “Closer” the way it was meant to be: as an intimate, gripping theater performance.
The story revolves around two couples who weave in and out of each other’s orbits. It’s a study of lust, seduction, deceit, the myriad little lies we tell others (and ourselves), and the cowardice that keeps us from being honest.
Patrick Marber debuted “Closer” in London in 1997, and the play won him a Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play the following year, as well as the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Foreign Play when it was staged in New York the year after that (it was also nominated for a Tony).
“‘Closer’ is one of those works that excites us as actors and lovers of theater,” says Villonco. “It’s provocative but not for mere shock value; it’s a compelling human drama. It’s an example of the kind of shows we want to do, which is why we formed Red Turnip.”
This production also marks acclaimed film actress Angel Aquino’s debut in a stage play. Aquino was most recently seen in Erik Matti’s “On The Job”, which debuted at the Directors’ Fortnight at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. “It’s wonderful material to be part of, especially since this is my first time. It’s beautifully written. I think it’s something that every actor would aspire to be part of so I feel it’s a privilege,” she says.
Bart Guingona is no stranger to the material, having directed it himself in a production several years ago.
TV and film actor Marc Abaya, son of pioneering director Marilou Diaz-Abaya and frontman of rock band Kjwan, also makes his stage debut with “Closer”.
“We’re very happy with this cast,” says director Ana Abad Santos. “They each bring their own touches to their roles and have different experiences with the material. It’s very interesting watching them play off of each other. There’s also a unique dynamic with this particular production because you have two theater veterans with Bart and Cris, and two theater first-timers [Angel and Marc] who are nonetheless acclaimed actors.”
Italian sportswear and lifestyle brand Fila has come onboard as the major sponsor of Red Turnip Theater’s production of Closer, as part of their commitment to the arts in line with their vision of l’arte nello sport (or The Art of Sport). Closer is also made possible through the support and generosity of VMV Hypoallergenics, BPI, National Bookstore and Powerbooks, Indie Pop Films, and Sugarleaf.
“Closer” runs until October 27, Fridays at 9 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm and 8 pm. Whitespace is located at 2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati.
Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) and also at 215-0788 / 0917-537-8313, or through the Red Turnip Theater Facebook page.
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