‘Art’ by Repertory Philippines Full Cast Announced

‘Art’ by Repertory Philippines Full Cast Announced

Repertory Philippines (REP) has just announced the full cast and creative team for its next production in 2025—Yasmina Reza’s Art, translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Victor Lirio.

Art will be the company’s second production of its 88th season, following the recently concluded rerun of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. The cast features a mix of New York, London, and Manila-based creatives, including London-based Filipino-British actor Martin Sarreal, who played John Fletcher in the world premiere of Tammy Faye in London; Manila-based actor Brian Sy, currently playing Cassio in CAST PH’s staging of Othello; and British stage, film, and television actor Freddy Sawyer, a Bristol Old Vic alum.

Directed by Victor Lirio, who helmed REP’s Betrayal last season, Art’s creative and production team includes Miguel Urbino (scenic and costume design), Miriam Crowe (lighting design), Fabian Obispo (original music and sound design), Maisie Carter (fight director), Zoe Littleton (voice coach), Uriel Villar (assistant director), Julia Pacificador (associate scenic designer), Patricia Gregorio (production manager), and Jayvee Carreon (production stage manager).

Written by French playwright Yasmina Reza and translated by British playwright Christopher Hampton, the comedy explores themes of art and friendship through three longtime friends—Serge (Sarreal), Marc (Sawyer), and Yvan (Sy). When Serge indulges his penchant for modern art by purchasing a large, expensive, completely white painting, Marc is horrified. Their relationship suffers considerable strain as they clash over what constitutes “art,” while Yvan, caught in the middle, tries to appease both.

Alongside Art, REP will also bring back The Bridge Project. Continuing its partnership with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, the Bridge Project 2025 Season will focus on classical work, offering week-long workshops on Shakespeare Rhetoric, Voice and Alexander Technique, Movement, and Stage Combat. Additionally, it will include production arts workshops on scenic design and lighting for theater, led by visiting tutors from New York and the UK.

Mindy Perez-Rubio, REP’s President & CEO, shared: “In partnership with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS), we are thrilled to be expanding our Bridge Project sessions this year, with a special focus on stagecraft and classical work. In addition to Victor Lirio’s Shakespeare Rhetoric course, we are bringing in additional tutors from BOVTS to teach Voice, Movement, and Stage Combat.”

“We are planning for a major Shakespeare production next year and investing in our local artists here in Manila by providing them with the artistic support, training, and resources. We are grateful for the leadership of REP’s Board of Trustees, support from Fiona Francombe at BOVTS, and the generosity of our donors and sponsors whose support for The Bridge Project is crucial,” she added.

Art will run from June 13 to 21, with regular performances scheduled from Friday to Sunday at 8 PM and matinee performances on Saturdays at 3:30 PM. All performances will take place at REP’s newly inaugurated REP Eastwood Theater in Quezon City.