Frances Makil-Ignacio, Ces Quesada, Missy Maramara, Roeder Camañag, Andoy Ranay, Gwyn Guanzon and Ian Ignacio topbill the 1977 post-war Japanese play by Shimizu Kunio, based on a translation adapted by Chiori Miyagawa from an original translation by John Gillespie.
Alexander Cortez’ direction features an all-female cast for the English version and an all-male cast for the Filipino version, which was translated by Palanca Hall of Famer Nicolas Pichay.
The play within a play tells the stories, frustrations, memoirs and aspirations of four actresses preparing backstage (gakuya, in Japanese) and waiting for their cue to enter onstage. All actresses express their desire to perform the lead role, and their obsessive coveting for it ignites a comic yet dramatic narrative about shared memories and their relationships with each other.
“The Dressing Room…” is a tender, humorous drama about actors, the theater, aging, surviving and moving on.
The artistic team is composed of Dexter M. Santos (choreography), Ohm David (set design), Meliton Roxas Jr. (lighting design), Faust Peneyra (costume design), Jethro Joaquin (sound design), and Patricia Balboa (video design).
Also featured in the production are up-and-coming theater actors Jon Abella, Maxine Ignacio, Marynor Madamesila and the Dulaang UP ensemble.
The play runs April 6-24 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor, Palma Hall, U.P. Diliman. Call Samanta Hannah Clarin or Camille Guevara 9261349, 4337840, 9818500 local 2449, or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com. Visit facebook.com/DulaangUnibersidadNgPilipinas.
It is produced by special arrangement with the playwright Chiori Miyagawa.