“Laro” Explores True Love within Manila’s Gay Community
“LARO,” written by Floy Quintos with additional material by Miguel Castro, is an adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s “La Ronde” for 10 male actors. The play, consisting of 10 interlocking encounters between pairs of characters, tells the story of 10 characters from different walks of life. It explores their never-ending search for happiness and true love within Manila’s gay community.
The play was first produced by Theater Now!, the now defunct experimental arm of Bulwagang Gantimpala, in November 2004. There were six performances at the Gantimpala venue in Luneta and an additional six performances at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Some cast members from the original production were Andoy Ranay, Peter Serrano, Juliene Mendoza, JoMari Jose, Miguel Castro, Neil Ryan Sese, and Roli Inocencio.
This year, it will be staged by Artist Playground and directed by John Mark Yap, with movement design by Jm Cabling, set design by Io Balanon, costume design by Nicolo Perez, lighting design by Miggy Panganiban, sound design by Arvy Dimaculangan, and graphics design by Gian Nicdao.
first row (L-R) André Miguel, Paul Jake Paule, Gio Gahol, Mike Liwag, MC Dela Cruz; second row (L-R) Ross Pesigan, Jon Abella, Phi Palmos, Vincent A. DeJesus, Al Gatmaitan; third row (L-R) Vincent Pajara, Jay Gonzaga, Victor Sy, Jonathan Ivan Rivera; photo by Jay Velasco
André Miguel plays the role of the Call Boy, Paul Jake Paule plays the role of the Pulis, and Phi Palmos plays the role of the Drag Queen. Gio Gahol and Mike Liwag alternate for the role of the Manggagamit, while MC Dela Cruz portrays the role of the Kalaguyo. Al Gatmaitan and Victor Sy alternate for the role of the Ideal, Ross Pesigan plays the role of the Estudyante, while Jon Abella and Vincent Pajara alternate for the role of the Manunulat. Jonathan Ivan Rivera and Jay Gonzaga alternate for the role of the Modelo, and Vincent A. DeJesus portrays the role of the Pilantropo. The cast will also feature the Players of Artist Playground: Aaron Dioquino, Dan Sheneill Solis, Robert Macaraeg, and Christian Silang.
“LARO” will run on the first two weekends of the Pride Month for 8 shows only: June 1, 2, 8, and 9, with 3pm and 7pm on all show dates. It will be staged at Arts Above, Penthouse of West Venue Building (BIR), West Avenue, Quezon City.
Tickets can purchased at Ticket2Me.net. For more inquiries, contact Ira at 0915-832-9579.
