When faced with a truth that might challenge the beliefs of your loved ones, or forgoing success, money, or fame, what do you choose?
At this point in our contemporary history, we’ve all been through this: Our beliefs shaken or questioned by the people we thought would be behind our backs. Or the timeless dilemma—do we choose the greater good? The lesser evil?
The Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (CAST) and Mad Child Productions are staging a new play adaptation that reflects this profoundly resonant situation.
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“In the Eyes of the People” is Nelsito Gomez’s adaptation of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People,” now set in a town called Santa Cristina in the Visayas. The town is preparing for the grand opening of its hot springs, a project led by Mayor Peter and his sister Tricia, who serves as the project’s chief scientist.
But weeks before opening, an unknown bacteria is discovered, throwing the entire project into jeopardy. The characters are now faced with big decisions: Do they push through with the opening, especially now that they’ve spent so much of the town’s money on developing the hot springs? Do they tell the people about the bacteria?
“I’ve always had my eye on adapting ‘Enemy,’ being a fan of its uncompromising truths about humanity. Reshaping it into a loving but privileged Filipino family, and exploring the issues of the original through a modern lens has been a four-year journey of trial and error. But through my wonderful collaborations with this amazing cast and excellent dramaturge—with the invaluable trust and support from our wonderful partners in Mad Child—this nearly 150-year-old Norwegian play will (hopefully) resonate strongly with a Filipino audience of today,” says Gomez.
The play stars Jenny Jamora, Ron Capinding, Nor Domingo, Jam Binay, Zoe de Ocampo, and Katski Flores.
“In the Eyes of the People” first debuted early this year as part of CAST’s annual staged readings. Now, it will be fully staged in a hyper-intimate setup, with only 80 seats per show.
The play is on a limited run. Tickets for April 26 and 27 are now available online.
