‘Choosing’, the Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño Starrer Returns This June
Fire and Ice LIVE! will stage a limited rerun of Choosing, written by Liza Diño-Seguerra, from June 6 to 15 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.
The two-person drama stars real-life married couple Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño-Seguerra, blending reality and fiction as it draws inspiration from their lived experiences and a collection of LGBTQIA+ stories. Liza makes her debut as a playwright with this piece, while Ice contributes additional monologues.
The story follows Stella, a cisgender woman, and Mitch, a transgender man, as they reflect on pivotal moments in their lives—from early self-awareness and sexuality to the challenges they’ve faced together. The play delves into themes of gender identity, love, trauma, healing, and personal transformation.
Liza reflects on the creative process: “The experience of the characters, while it is inspired by our lived experience, also has new discoveries na pinagdadaanan nilang dalawa. Maraming mga factors na pinagdadaanan nila na wala sa amin ni Ice. Siguro mga 50% of the play is us, but a lot of the scenes and a lot of the elements of the play are also fictionalized.”
She continues to say, “As a writer, there’s this distance where I think, ‘Lagay ko kaya itong sitwasyong ito? Tingnan ko kung anong sasabihin ni Mitch dito. At ang nilalagay ko doon ay iyung mga ‘what if’ moments ko na hindi namin pinag-uusapan.
Throughout the play, Stella and Mitch confront issues like sexual abuse, consent, and rebuilding trust, ultimately discovering the power of choice in embracing joy and staying true to themselves.
Liza says that there are slight changes to the upcoming rerun, offering subtle enhancements for both new and returning audiences.
“This rerun is our way of responding to the overwhelming support for Choosing,” shares Ice. “The conversations that started after our first staging continued long after the final curtain call. We knew we had to bring it back—for those who missed it and for those who want to experience it again with fresh eyes.”
Bringing the Story Home
View this post on Instagram
Reflecting on the themes of the play, Ice says that open communication is essential in any relationship.
“Siguro sa panahon na, ang bilis mag-react ng lahat, ang bilis magalit, ang mabilis ma-offend, ang laki din ng pakinabang na matuto tayong makipag-usap. Nakakalimutan nating makipagusap, at talagang harapin at kalkalin kung ano iyung problema.”
“That there is power in actually talking about things, sometimes and especially, even if it hurts.”
Liza acknowledges that staying together isn’t always easy. “A lot of people say na, because matagal na rin kami ni Ice, it’s so easy to say, ‘Wow, buti pa sila, tanggap na sila ng mga tao.’ I hope through this play, other people see themselves in our experience, na katulad ng ibang couple, marami rin kaming mga pinagdadaanang struggles and hardships. The constant choosing, the conscious decision of choosing each other, and hindi siya madali.”
Broadening Perspectives
Liza highlights the lack of representation for trans stories, pointing out that while LGBT narratives exist, those specifically about trans couples and families are rare.
“When we made this decision, our goal is not to put ourselves out there just for nothing. I hope that it can inspire. I hope that kahit papaano, because they see themselves in us, malaman nila that they’re not alone; na kung ano man iyung pinagdadaanan nila, because they don’t know yet how they will embrace themselves and their identity, that there is always a time and place for that.”
She also says, “The play is about choosing to love despite it all, and choosing to love despite the transformation and the transition that a couple goes through, because change is the only permanent thing.”
Ice adds that while it’s easy to label Choosing as an LGBT play, its core message is universal. Whether a couple is cis, bi, or of any other identity, they all face similar struggles—balancing personal dreams with the fear of hurting someone they love.
Dr. Anton Juan returns as director, while Vincent A. DeJesus reprises his role as composer.
Choosing will run from June 6 to 15 for a limited two-weekend engagement at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, with showtimes on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 PM and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM. Tickets are P2,200 (VIP), P2,000 (Platinum), P1,800 (Gold), and P1,500 (Silver), which are available through Ticket2Me.
Comments