C.A.S.T. Staged Readings Return this January

C.A.S.T. Staged Readings Return this January

The Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (C.A.S.T.)’s series of staged readings return to the Pineapple Lab (R. Palma Street, Poblacion) for its third season this January.

The season will open on January 12 (2pm and 7pm) and will run for 3 more consecutive Sundays. Entitled “When Music Plays”, the theme of the upcoming season focuses on music.

“After the warm reception of our second season, our team went back to the drawing room and thought up several themes for our third,” shares C.A.S.T. co-founder Nelsito Gomez. “Topics such as religion, science, and love were discussed, but nothing was really sparking the creative fire in us. Then in one particular session, I just threw in the word ‘Music’, and I could feel a change in the energy of the room. Almost instantaneously, passionate discourse began.” 

He adds, “What we hope for in C.A.S.T. is to share these four plays by four very distinguished playwrights, showing us just how much music is essential to our humanity. Music as a bridge to the eternal or God; music as a voice for the unheard and neglected; music as a shield from the realities of life.”

Just like the company’s past seasons, the titles of the plays will be revealed only on the day of the performance. When asked why C.A.S.T. chooses to omit the titles of the plays up until the performance, “It’s actually an idea adopted from the 4faith readings of Trumpets,” says Gomez. “These are private readings, but the idea is that people are coming to these readings having no clue what they are about to see (though all plays have faith or a variation of it as a topic) and are going on ‘faith’ or ‘trust’ that it’ll be a nourishing and well spent evening. We liked that idea very much.”

“Another reason is that it encourages the audience to experience these four plays as a whole. We feel it deepens the enjoyment when you see variations on a theme being presented, rather than just an individual, one time performance. It makes room for more discussion which is what we always aim for.”

The company has also announced the cast for the first three staged readings.

The first staged reading features Jaime Del Mundo, Reb Atadero, Jill Peña, Dean Daniel Rosen, Raymund Concepcion, Steven Conde, and Mako Alonso. It will be directed by Nelsito Gomez.

The second staged reading, which will run on January 19 (2pm and 7pm), features Cathy Azanza-Dy and Rony Fortich. It will be directed by Wanggo Gallaga.

 

The third staged reading, which will run on January 26, (2pm and 7pm), features Jon Abella, Iggi Siasoco, Kiara Dario, and Mako Alonso. It will be directed by Reb Atadero.

The fourth staged reading, which will run on February 2 (2pm and 7pm), features Caisa Borromeo and Michael Williams. It will be directed by guest director Andrei Pamintuan. 

The Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (C.A.S.T.) is a group composed of six professional actors– Nelsito Gomez, Sarah Facuri, Mako Alonso, Jill Peña, Maronne Cruz, and Reb Atadero, and one professional writer, Wanggo Gallaga. Heavily inspired by projects such as Trumpet’s 4Faith Series and CCP’s Virgin Labfest, their goal is to regularly present a season of staged reading performances: Four plays. Once a week for four consecutive weeks. Annually.

Door charge is at P200. For reservations, contact 09153167365.