Slvrthoughts and Musings

I was able to watch Insiang last night (October 4) during the press night with a couple of blogger friends, Anne and Zee.  Unlike them I had never seen the movie version (directed by Lino Brocka in 1976), nor have I heard the radio play, nor seen the first run of Insiang a few years ago.  I had no idea of what the story was about and therefore, had no expectations.  In other words, I was an "Insiang-virgin".

Insiang was written by award winning writer, Mario O'Hara and is a story about a young girl (Insiang) and her life growing up in the slums of Manila.  Directed by Direk Chris Millado, if I had to describe this story in one word, I would have to say it is GRITTY.  It is as close to real life as I have ever seen on stage.  It is a story filled with sex and violence, drama and touches of comedy.  It is real people with real issues without the sugar-coating.

Toyang (played by Mae Paner) acts as the narrator of this play and supplies the comedic elements with her witty comments and quirky view of life.  To her neighbors, she is perceived as a crazy woman because she is always found to be talking to herself.  In the play, of course, she is talking to us, the audience.  Her life is anything but perfect but her sense of humor and appreciation of the absurd allows her to laugh through her tears.

Pacing (played by Mailes Kanapi) is the mother of Insiang.  She has a very amorous nature and often brought men home to spend the night.  She feels that life has dealt her a "bad hand " and takes out her frustrations on Insiang.  She is also very jealous of Insiang's youth and beauty and suspects Insiang of desiring the men she brings home.

The latest man in their life is Dado (played by Ricky Davao), a corrupt public servant and hired gun who got his kicks out of molesting women and beating up defenseless men.  In other words, he was a bully with a gun. From the beginning his attraction for Insiang was apparent.  His posturing is almost laughable and yet has to be scary for a young girl.

Insiang (played by Sheenly Vee Gener) starts off as a sweet, innocent young woman with dreams of love and marriage and "happy ever after" and evolves into a bitter, vengeful, cold woman.  She was 18 years old and in love with Danny, her boyfriend.  Then bad things just seemed to snowball on her which put her in a state akin to catatonia.  Attacked by her "stepfather", attacked by her mother out of jealousy, abandoned by her boyfriend after he got what he wanted ... there seemed no end to the bad things that were happening to her.

This is the ugly side of life.
This is the truth that some of us are lucky enough not to have to face.
The depravations that humans are capable of when their life is filled with misery, frustration, suspicion, jealousy, and envy.

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There are many things about this play that are unique.  The stage design alone is something of a marvel. This three-dimensional set spanned the back and left side of the room with a runway running down the center of the room and a ramp ending at the entrance.  Walking area was approximately 1 meter wide everywhere, and in the case of the runway, that included the portion that was occupied by props (water cans, pails, and wash basins).  The shanties are two and three levels high and Insiang's home, in particular, had action going on at both floors.

Fluids of all kinds
Sitting close to the stage as I am wont to do, it is not uncommon to get splashed on by sweat or spit.  But this is the first time I've encountered soapy (or clean) wash water on stage.  We were told that the faucet was supposed to work.  Unfortunately there must have been a water shortage that night 'cause no water flowed from the tap.  Nevertheless, they did throw "dirty" wash water on the stage and were able to refill the wash basins from the water cans and pails.

Danny peed on stage.  Thankfully he was facing away from the audience in an eskinita so we were spared the view and the splash.

Blood spattered from characters who were injured in altercations.

Sex
Sex is a topic that is often sensored in public entertainment. The sex scenes in this play were very well executed and artistically done. Be prepared for lots of grunts, groans, and partial nudity.  Not even masturbation is taboo.  Two characters openly masturbated as they walked and chatted with their neighbors.

Violence
Fights with fists, knives, guns, and home appliances, not to mention sexual assault, battery, and domestic violence.  And let us not forget the most prevalent violence of all --- VERBAL ABUSE.  The amount of cussing in this play is just ... ridiculous!  It made me flinch everytime but I realize that this is a depiction of real life and in real life at the slums, cussing each other out every other word is common place.

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If you are still deciding whether or not you should watch Insiang, I highly recommend that you do, while you can.  It is definitely a play worth watching.  Insiang is performed live at the Huseng Batute Theater on the following times and dates:

• October 6 at 3:00pm
• October 6 at 8:00pm
• October 7 at 3:00pm
• October 7 at 8:00pm
• October 12 at 8:00pm
• October 13 at 3:00pm
• October 13 at 8:00pm
• October 14 at 3:00pm
• October 14 at 8:00pm

Ticket Price:

• Premium ringside seats - P700
• Orchestra/balcony (free seating) - P500

For tickets please contact Regz at +639228082235 or +639175277361.