I watch plays to feel special. Each time, there’s only so many of us in that one room and this one performance is once in a lifetime—no, once in all of history, never to be repeated in exactly the same way ever again.

I watch plays to be entertained. I watch plays because there’s usually nothing playing at the cinemas worth seeing, or seeing twice. I watch plays to feel something, anything. I watch plays because I’d rather experience magic, wonder, and awe than… Manila traffic.

I watch plays because of: Peta, Tanghalang Pilipino, Dulaang UP, UP Repertory, Tanghalang Ateneo, Repertory Philippines, Bit by Bit, Red Turnip and more.

I watch plays because of: Rody Vera, Nick Pichay, Rene Villanueva, Rolando Tinio, Mario O’Hara, Layeta Bucoy, Chris Martinez, Floy Quintos, Liza Magtoto, Gilda Cordero-Fernando and many more.

I watch plays because of: Mailes Kanapi, Soliman Cruz, Angeli Bayani, Nicco Manalo, Mae Paner, Shamaine Centenera, Nonie Buencamino, Lou Veloso, Liesl Batucan, Sheenly Gener, Nar Cabico, Bong Cabrera, Paolo O’Hara, Sherry Lara, Mads Nicolas, Katski Flores, Ching Valdes-Aran and many, many more.

I watch plays because I like to pay good money for great storytelling. And lastly I watch plays because, every now and then, I need to be reminded that there is still soul left in this blighted country and its obscene poverty and equally obscene wealth, that artistry thrives in spite of everything, and that no matter how depressing the story or hopeless the narrative gets, a work of surpassing beauty is hope itself.

Writer and filmmaker Moira Lang (also known as Raymond Lee) is the producer of “Norte, Ang Hangganan ng Kasaysayan” (this year’s official Philippine entry to the Oscar Awards), “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” and “Zombadings: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington,” among other films.