PAG-IBIG ANG PANG-ANIM (REVIEW)

© Ma'am Faye Martel-Abugan

“Kapag tinitignan mo siya, ‘wag mo siyang titignan nang kung paano mo ako tinignan.” This is one of the lines that really struck me after having the privilege to watch Pag-ibig ang Pang-anim— a production of the Faculty of Arts and Letters’ very own Artistang Artlets.

The performance was set in a small stage in one of the rooms inside the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. building. The whole space was enveloped in darkness and only two bulbs were used to bring light to the faces and bodies of the actors. At first, it gave me an impression of a horror-themed performance (despite the title) because of the uncanny set-up. But when the director explained that it was a depiction of a poor man’s theater, I understood the concept right away and I have to give them two thumbs up for the interesting set. I just hope that they ensured the silence inside the room so the audience had the chance to put more attention to the performance rather than the noise outside.

And since we are already talking about the venue, I might as well share my thoughts about the design elements already. The crates which were scattered in an organized way and the apple boxes which were used as the main set design fit the poor man’s theater concept very well. Take the first one as an example. The boxes served as the seats inside the jeepney. They were then used as tables for the second and third scenes. And for the fifth and sixth, they became chairs for the couples.  The team behind the play really knew how to create a great production even with minimal props. As for the costume, I honestly did not see the connection between the pristine white clothes and the concept of the poor man’s theater but it gave way for the audience to set their eyes on the body movements and facial expressions of the actors and not on the unnecessary designs and style of their clothing. Now when it comes to the sounds, the effects and music were nice but they could have added more to help the viewers get in the mood and really feel the lines and emotions of the performers. Lastly, the stage management was good because of the proper blocking and quick transition.

But disregarding all that and just focusing on the story itself, I must say that this, by far, is one of the most moving performances I have ever watched and it interestingly has the most quote-worthy lines. The play was divided into six stories with each scene representing a certain sensory faculty. The latter was not explicitly shown or stated but with full attention given, one will immediately know what sense they were appealing to.

Each actor is worth noting. But for me, the ones who stood out were the artists for the first and last scenes (Pandinig and Pang-amoy). For the first act, Jill and Aya were really funny even without trying. However, despite the comedic portrayal, the lines they uttered left a pang in my heart. Now for the last act, the couple whose names were Ryan and Pepper surprisingly knew which button to hit. Tears welled up in everyone’s eyes upon realizing that their story was about the unconditional love of a girl who said goodbye a long time ago but never really had the courage to let go. Their portrayal was simple but very realistic and relatable. Perhaps that is the reason why the audience felt the connection.

A pat on the back should be given to the director for having a job well done. The play was moving and all the scenes seemed really connected. Disregarding the minimal flaws, I can say that the crew did a great job for pulling off such a wonderful performance. They have shown that even with a small space, minimal props, and simple costume, a good production can be executed. The whole performance left my heart aching but somehow craving for more.