#TheaterPH - A Review of The Virgin Labfest Set A - Bubot: A Tapestry of Childhood, Loss, and Identity
The Power of Play in YOJ'S TBT: TAKBO, BATANG TONDO
This piece captures the fleeting nature of childhood friendships and the bittersweet realization that time inevitably changes everything. The four friends—Albin, Kyla, Tomtom, and Saymon—engage in a game that mirrors real-life dynamics, where roles are assigned, conflicts arise, and the boundaries between play and reality blur.
The presence of Dudong, the elder figure who attempts to mediate their disputes, adds a layer of wisdom to the narrative. The final confrontation, where Albin refuses to accept his role as the "suspect," speaks to the deeper frustrations of growing up—how children grapple with fairness, identity, and the fear of being misunderstood.
Puppetry as an Emotional Catalyst in ANG BATA KAG ANG ILAGA
This play stands out for its masterful use of puppetry, which elevates the material beyond a simple coming-of-age story. The character of Isaac, an orphan struggling with loneliness, is brought to life not just through dialogue but through the intricate movements of the puppet that represents him. The artistry behind the puppetry—both in its manipulation and the voice acting—adds a layer of complexity that makes Isaac’s emotional turmoil even more palpable.
The artists who voiced Isaac and the puppeteers who controlled his movements deserve immense recognition for their ability to evoke raw emotion. Their performance was so moving that it left many audience members teary-eyed, proving that puppetry, when done right, can be just as powerful as live acting. Isaac’s dilemma—whether to care for the baby rat or leave it behind—mirrors his own longing for connection, making the final moment of loss all the more heartbreaking.
The Existential Weight of POLAR COORDINATES
Ade Valenzona’s POLAR COORDINATES takes a more introspective approach, using mathematics as a metaphor for life’s uncertainties. Igo’s struggle with polar coordinates is more than just an academic challenge—it represents his deeper anxieties about his future, his family, and his own identity. The play cleverly juxtaposes mathematical confusion with emotional turmoil, making Igo’s journey feel universal.
His friendship with Bobbie, who attempts to tutor him, adds another layer to the narrative. Instead of finding clarity, Igo feels even more lost, mirroring the way many young people struggle to define themselves amid external pressures. The question “Sino ba si Igo sa lahat nito?” lingers long after the play ends, inviting audiences to reflect on their own uncertainties.
Set A - Bubot is a testament to the power of storytelling in capturing the complexities of youth, loss, and identity. Whether through the innocence of childhood games, the heart-wrenching use of puppetry, or the existential weight of mathematical metaphors, each play leaves a lasting impression.
The Virgin Labfest 2025 is happening from June 11 to June 29 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater) This year's festival, titled Virgin Labfest XX: Hinog, marks its 20th anniversary and features a lineup of 12 new scripts alongside three returning plays.
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