We have all been there — one of our friends buys something completely ridiculous, we blurt out what we honestly think without filtering, and suddenly, things get a little too awkward.
Sometimes, it ends in laughter and playful banter. Other times, though, it can create tension that tests the strength of the relationship.
This is the premise behind the latest offering of Repertory Philippines, ART, set to open this June 13. A comedic masterpiece by French playwright Yasmina Reza, the play follows the intertwined lives of three friends whose long-standing bond is tested when one of them splurges on a pricey all-white painting. But do their violent reactions to this provocative canvas mirror more dangerous antagonisms toward each other?
The main characters are exceptional actors James Bradwell and Martin Sarreal from the UK’s West End, and REP veteran Brian Sy, who is currently appearing in Broadway’s production Chicago. It will be directed by Victor Lirio.
In addition to the featured actors, another character in the play that takes the spotlight is the White Antrios, a $200,000 all-white painting tinged with the faintest off-white stripes. This artwork becomes the catalyst for conflict among the three protagonists.
This production is full of artistic vibe, literally and figuratively. Taking some of the spotlights are the artworks by members of the HOPE (Help One Person Deprived of Liberty Every Day) Project, an initiative made up of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Lipa City, Batangas. Founded by jail warden Aris Villaester, the HOPE Project supports the release of qualified and deserving PDLs who are ill, of senior age, and have no financial means.
Director Lirio pushed for the idea of commissioning works from PDLs. Lirio, who owns a painting by a Lipa BJMP PDL, tapped author Chary Mercado, who has worked with Villaester in his HOPE Project before. Mercado was introduced to the REP team, and production designer Miguel Urbino provided guidelines on what type of art he was looking for.
“There are three paintings in the show, each representing a character. I gave Chary a mood board with examples of techniques, colors, textures, and feelings. As the paintings were created, Chary shared them with me for feedback to find the best fit for ART,” said Urbino.
For Mercado and Villaester, involving PDLs in the play is practical, not just for pride. Mercado said, “In the Philippines, PDLs arrested on drug charges cannot be released after serving their sentence unless they pass medical and psychological tests. Unfortunately, the government requires them to pay for these tests, which cost about P10,000 each, and many PDLs cannot afford this.”
During ART’s run, paintings by Lipa PDLs will be auctioned at the REP Eastwood Theater Lobby, with bids accepted until the play closes on June 29. Proceeds will fund legal fees for the PDLs’ release after their sentences.
Villaester’s HOPE Project, active in Cavite, has raised P400,000 from art sales, helping free 100 PDLs.
Repertory Philippines hopes the art sparks conversations on the value of supporting marginalized artists.
“For collectors, these paintings offer a unique story; for the artists, they symbolize freedom and a second chance,” said REP CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio.
ART, a Tony and Olivier award-winning play by Yasmina Reza, premieres June 13 and runs through June 29 at REP Eastwood Theater, Quezon City, with shows Friday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 3:30 p.m.
For news and updates on ART, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow Repertory Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. For show-buying and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0966-9054013 or 0962-6918540, or send us an email at promotions@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org.
