Vulnerability, rawness make 'Choosing' play potent

Ice Seguerra (left) and Liza Diño

Directors Brillante Mendoza and Jeffrey Jeturian, actors Ruby Ruiz, Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Ricky Davao, hitmaker Jonathan Manalo, and singers Jeffrey Hidalgo and Moy Ortiz of vocal group The Company watched the matinee performance of "Choosing (Not A Straight Play)" over the weekend at the Power Mac Center Spotlight, Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.

Written by former Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson Liza Diño, the play shows the things that have burdened and buoyed the LGBT group through the eyes of the playwright and her partner, singer Ice Seguerra.

Choosing" is directed by Anton Juan,  a senior professor at the University of Notre Dame.

"We developed this play asking ourselves questions---till there were no more questions to ask," he said about the vulnerability seen in the work. "That was difficult."

According to a release, "Choosing" is a conscious retelling of a woman and a transman’s journey of finding each other. It sheds light on their relationship obstacles, their sexual consciousness, their individualities, and their commitment to the choices they make in order to find true happiness. The powerful play focuses on a love that goes against all odds.

The stories in “Choosing” were based on true-to-life accounts, not just of the couple but people they know. The script is said to have been finished in three days though she and Ice have been talking about it for months on end even before pen touched paper.

While "Choosing" has LGBT characters, the stories could be about the highs and lows of any relationship. Ultimately, we have the same stories because we are people, humans all.

“Choosing” will continue its run on July 6, with 3 and 8 p.m. performances; and July 7 at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.