“I Never Saw Another Butterfly” a play about surviving WWII, opens this March

“I Never Saw Another Butterfly” a play about surviving WWII, opens this March

I Never Saw Another Butterfly, the INK Project’s maiden production, follows World War II survivor Raja Englanderova, who was only twelve years old when she was sent to a concentration camp. Forced to live though years of gruelling conditions, horror, tragedy, where survival was privilege and living until the next morning was a victory, she was one of the few hundred children left from the thousands.

Written by Celeste Raspanti, the play is adapted from the book of the same name compiled by Hana Volavková, which itself is a collection of poetry and artwork made by the children held at the Terezin Concentration Camp. Terezin, once a great fortress built to protect, was turned into a Ghetto. Most of the Jews sent to Terezin were performers, artists, intellectuals, scholars, and children. The parks, grass, concert halls were only a facade to hide the appalling conditions the inmates were subjected to.

The cast is led by Monique Gaviola as Raja Englanderova and Giselle Paguyo as Irena Synkova. Joining them are Yvonne Russell (Mother), Zack Flynn (Father), Jason Ong (Pavel), Zed Pagkalinawan (Honza), Tyra Tan (Irca/Child), Elisha Feraro (Aunt Vera/Child), Hillary Paruruan (Renka/Child), and G Roi Reyno (Rabbi/Child).

The show is directed by Kiefer Sison, with projection design by Mery Faith Uyboco, and set design by Kiefer Sison and Yel Mempin. This is everyone’s professional theater debut.

I Never Saw Another Butterfly will run from March 20-21 (7pm), 27 (7pm), and 28 (3pm), venue to be announced. Tickets are priced at P100 (regular) and P50 (students). For reservations, contact 09053423122.

Update 2/21/20: The show has been moved to April 4, 3pm and 7pm at the Power Mac Center Spotlight.