Top or bottom, Laro explores the politics of gay life
After it premiered on June 1 at Arts Above, “Laro,” a Filipino adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s infamous classic “La Ronde” (1897), is now the talk of the town.
A controversial play with provocative sexual themes, the play scrutinizes the sexual morals of characters across all levels of society.
Written by Floy Quintos, it is an intelligent play with a series of 10 sexual encounters that exchange views about love, life, and morality. In the local adaptation, it explores the never-ending search for happiness and true love within Manila’s gay community.
In Manila, the play was first produced 15 years ago by Theater Now!, the former experimental theater group of Bulwagang Gantimpala, which featured actors Andoy Ranay, Peter Serrano, Julienne Mendoza, JoMari Jose, Miguel Castro, Neil Ryan Sese, and Roli Inocencio.
This year, the play produced by Artist Playground and directed by John Mark Yap, featuring the 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 graphic design by Gian Nicdao.
Its cast includes André Miguel (Call Boy), Paul Jake Paule (Pulis), Phi Palmos (Drag Queen), Gio Gahol and Mike Liwag (Mangagamit), MC Dela Cruz (Kalaguyo), Al Gatmaitan and Victor Sy (The Ideal), Ross Pesigan (Estudyante), Jon Abella and Vincent Pajara (Manunulat), Jonathan Ivan Rivera and Jay Gonzaga (Modelo), and Vincent De Jesus (Pilantropo) who’s quite a scene stealer.
Rounding out the cast are the Players of Artist Playground: Aaron Dioquino, Dan Sheneill Solis, Robert Macaraeg, and Christian Silang.
Laro runs until June 9 at Arts Above, 112 West Avenue, Quezon City. Tickets are available through Ticket2Me.
