UNI REVIEW: FEU Theater Guild’s ‘Agnoia’
This production shows what love can look like in all its romantic, platonic, and messy glory.
How does a self-isolating Pisces deal with breakups? What happens when a “know-it-all” Virgo and an underachieving Sagittarius start dating? Are Capricorns really more self-reliant than other signs? All of these and more are answered in FEU Theater Guild’s first offering for its 90th season, Agnoia.
The signs take on human forms
Written by Liza Magtoto, Agnoia is inspired by Eli Guieb III’s short story Horoscope. It tells the interconnected stories of 11 characters representing zodiac signs—Taurus (RB Pascua), Gemini (Kirstan Orbegoso), Cancer (Dianne Andalio), Leo (Arvin Javier), Virgo (Maria Mayano), Libra (Meldy Malig), Scorpio (Davewyn Macawile), Sagittarius (John Cedric Guevarra), Capricorn (Brigitta Marilla), Aquarius (Jonas Cunanan), and Pisces (Cole Ramas)—as they navigate love, heartbreak, budding romances, betrayal, and loss.
As someone who only knows the basics when it comes to astrology, this viewer was a little apprehensive going in: Is it a must for me to have the traits of each zodiac sign memorized? Do I also need to have a working knowledge of sun, moon, and rising signs? Should I be reading about planetary retrogrades?
But Agnoia soon laid all these worries to rest, because all that was needed from me was an understanding of humans and their complex emotions.
Gasp-worthy twists
Under Dudz Teraña’s direction, Agnoia’s big, unexpected revelations did what they were meant to do: shock and delight the audience. Discovering how each zodiac sign was connected to each other throughout the production—whether it was through a family member, a romantic connection, or a friend of a friend—was definitely a treat.
Almost every scene involved some kind of argument between the characters, but it didn’t feel repetitive because Magtoto’s script highlighted the zodiac signs’ best qualities and insecurities.
However, with an ensemble cast like this one, seasoned actors’ performances stood out while the newer cast members had some moments of struggle. One such scene was a confrontation between two characters as they discussed their newfound feelings for each other—and how their situation was hurting a close friend. It was a little disorienting to watch an experienced actor exchange heavy dialogue with someone who was still trying to find their footing.
It’s also worth mentioning one part of the production the audience so obviously fell in love with: the transitionist character aka Cusp (Lorenze Moral), who served as much-needed comedic relief amidst emotionally-charged scenes.
Agnoia’s small, theater-in-the-round seating worked in its favor because, as with most intimate stagings, the overall experience was heightened by how physically close the audience were to each other and to the cast.
Maybe uncertainty is okay
Watching this production may leave viewers with a clearer view of just how unpredictable “feelings” and personal connections can be, despite the guide to personas astrology provides for us. Having to realize that no one really knows who or what is out there is uncomfortable. But then again, maybe that’s the point. That’s what “agnoia” is, isn’t it? A state of uncertainty and ignorance.
Agnoia shows what love can look like in all its romantic, platonic, and messy glory. The stars may play a hand in it, but at the end of the day, humans can—and will—make their own decisions.
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