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| (Photo by Ericson Dela Cruz) |
Artist Playground latest production Laro by Floy Quintos,
explore the realness of love and lust of gay life, present in an interlocking
story one from another, connecting dots to pieces making you realize that particular
scene is familiar, maybe it’s your bisexual friend who has that kind of
scenario.
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| Andre Miguel as Callboy in Laro (Ericson Dela Cruz) |
Set in a dark mood introduce through a smoking character,
black background with dice design as stage props, and lo and behold, men in
trunks and in boxers that ends in an orgy finale of all the actors. Vince De
Jesus as always is prolific in the last two acts, but it was Andre Miguel who
gives us a surprise performance, his very natural and should we say organic theater
acting made us love him for his portrayal in this play. We feel that Al Gatmatan
is somehow looking tense in his performance, he is shaking a bit actually during
the press preview.
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| Vince De Jesus and Andre Miguel |
After watching we try to elaborate what is truly the
message of “Laro” trying to convey, yes, we all agreed that it is realistic, it
is happening and we all somehow can relate especially if you are an LGBT, it
tackles relationship made from lust, love affairs that build in a strong
foundation and yet gone wrong. For me Laro is telling you that love needs to
wait, maybe you are into relationship now, but like change there is no
assurance, yes there is Forever even for gay people, but love is a game that
you have to keep on playing until you hit the jackpot, where there are no losers
or winner.
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| Photo by Ericson Dela Cruz |
Under the direction of John Mark Yap, with movement design
by Jm Cabling, set design by Io Balanon, costume design by Nicolo Perez,
lighting design by Miggy Panganiban, sound design by Arvy Dimaculangan, and
graphics design by Gian Nicdao. Laro will run on the first two weekends of the
Pride Month for 8 shows only: June 1, 2, 8, and 9, with 3 pm and 7 pm on all
show dates. It is being staged at Arts Above, Penthouse of West Venue Building
(BIR), West Avenue, Quezon City.
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| Ross Pesigan and Al Gatmaitan |
Completing the powerhouse cast are Paul Jake Paule, Phi
Palmos of Ang Huling El Bimbo, Gio Gahol, Mike Liwag, MC Dela Cruz, Victor Sy,
Ross Pesigan of Rainbow Sunset, Jon Abella, Vincent Pajara, Jonathan Ivan
Rivera and Jay Gonzaga. The cast also features the Players of Artist
Playground: Aaron Dioquino, Dan Sheneill Solis, Robert Macaraeg, and Christian
Silang.
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| Phi Palmos and Gio Gahol (Ericson Dela Cruz) |
“LARO,” is written by Floy Quintos with additional material
by Miguel Castro, is an adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s “La Ronde”. Tickets are
available at Ticket2Me.net. For more inquiries, contact Ira at 0915-832-9579.
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