Rep’s 2020 season holds a mirror up to human life
Throughout its 53-year illustrious history, Repertory Philippines has allowed audiences to see the world with new eyes. By transporting them back in time or putting them in the shoes of another, Rep has always reflected humanity in all its great diversity. For its 83rd season, Rep is holding up a mirror to different experiences, highlighting stories that are both unique and familiar.
With Liesl Batucan on her first season as Rep’s artistic director, audiences can expect a new creative spirit that remains faithful to Rep’s legacy while bringing it forward, as she assembles a brilliant and diverse core of creatives who will be making their debut in the Rep director’s chair; celebrated thespians who will be treading the Rep boards for the first time; and Rep veterans who will be making their much-awaited theater comeback.
The 2020 season opens with the New York Times’ Critic’s Pick of 2014, Stage Kiss by American playwright Sarah Ruhl, which runs from Feb. 7 to March 1, 2020. This romantic comedy takes audiences backstage and introduces them to She and He, two stage actors who find themselves cast as lovers in a 1930s melodrama. A deliciously witty and insightful play about life imitating art and art imitating life, Stage Kiss stars Missy Maramara, Tarek El Tayech, Andres Borromeo, Justine Narciso and Mica Pineda, among others, and is directed by Carlos Siguion-Reyna, renowned and multi-awarded filmmaker of critically acclaimed movies Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin, and Azucena.
From March 13 to April 5, 2020, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Anna in the Tropics by Cuban-American playwright Nilo Cruz comes to the Rep stage. When Juan Julian arrives in Tampa, Florida in 1929, he unwittingly heralds change in the Cuban cigar factory where he has been employed as a lector. As he reads aloud from Leo Tolstoy’s passionate Anna Karenina, the workers soon find the story creeping into their lives and informing their decisions. Directed by New York-based noted production designer Joey Mendoza and starring Ana Abad Santos, Jake Macapagal, Paolo O’ Hara, Brian Sy, Gab Pangilinan, Gie Onida and Madeleine Nicolas, Anna in the Tropics paints a sympathetic portrait of oppressed laborers and lovers who flout tradition, as it shows the transformative power of literature.
The universally-loved and enduring favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical Carousel caps off the season and runs from May 1 to 24, 2020. Helmed by muchlauded young director Toff de Venecia, the production showcases a star-studded cast led by the luminous pairing of Nikki Gil and Gian Magdangal, who will both be making their Rep debut. Hailed as Time Magazine’s Best Musical of the 20th Century, Carousel explores the heartbreak and complexities that make its characters so tragically and wonderfully human.
Rep 2020 ends with Rep Theater for Young Audiences’ (RTYA’s) children’s musical Snow White and the Prince by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman. From the same writers of Rep’s mega hit 2018 production Rapunzel, Rapunzel, A Very Hairy Fairytale comes this witty new take on a beloved classic. Running from Sept. 12, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021, this play is directed by none other than the legendary Joy Virata. Children of all ages will delight in this fun re-telling of this beloved fairytale that reminds us that people united in goodness are more powerful than the forces of evil.
For the full experience of REP’s 2020 season, purchase season passes now. Season subscribers can get access to Rep’s 2020 plays at up to 30 percent off. The Gold Year Pass (includes three season shows + RTYA) costs P4,900, the Silver Year Pass (includes three season shows + RTYA) is only P3,700, the Gold Season Pass (includes three season shows) is P4,200, and the Silver Season Pass (includes three season shows) is P3,150.
For showbuying and ticket inquiries, contact Rep at 8451-1474 or 0966-905-4013. You may also purchase your season passes by calling Ticketworld at 891-9999, or through www.ticketworld.com.ph.
For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.