Soon to hit the stage is “WARD 448,” a play written and directed by Rodel Mercado about three individuals living with HIV.
The play depicts the fight-or-flight response of persons infected with the devastating and life-threatening disease and how discrimination, ignorance and stigma exacerbate their predicament.
The story is told from the point of view of Jennylyn Braza, a news reporter with Karina Macaspac and Jenney Cañeja as alternates.
The headliners are Carla Mae, a mother of three, with Anna Escobia and Justine Torralba as alternates.
The men who have sex with other men who work at a BPO are VJ Mendoza, Kevin Posadas and Rey Correjado.
Seasoned thespians Ronnie Martinez and Roeder Camañag alternately portray Francis, a jaded drag performer.
Director Mercado says: “The production’s main reason for being is that we want to shed light and give correct information about people with HIV. Yes, we focus on their difficulties and struggles, especially in them coming to terms with their situation and how they manage to maintain their dignity and humanity along the way.”
Adds Mercado: “The play employs humor, drama, paghaplos sa puso at pagbubukas ng pang-unawa elements. The medium of theater has become a powerful tool to impart knowledge about the affliction that is HIV, to push safe sex practices, to clear the stigma, and nurture a community that does not judge, but understands and helps those who are afflicted with HIV and their loved ones.”
Note the number of people with HIV have skyrocketed and DOH reports say that the Philippines has become the fastest HIV/AIDS growing population in the Asia and Pacific region with 237% increase in an exhaustive and verified report on HIV infections from 2010 to 2022.
Mercado concludes: “By watching our play, you’re also exercising your power to contribute to the collective effort of minimizing, and hopefully end the escalating digits of individuals with HIV. Be one with us as we debunk the stigma, sow compassion and understanding, and give accurate information on HIV affliction.”
“WARD 448,” as produced Frontline Production Inc., is slated on Oct. 29 and 30, (with matinee and gala performances at 3pm and 7pm respectively) at the RCBC THEATER (Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium), 4th Floor, Tower II, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Makati City.
Tickets are available now at ticket2me.net
