We are among those who thoroughly enjoyed “Choosing,” Ice Seguerra and partner Liza Diño’s most recent stage foray as directed by Anton Juan.
It was far removed from what we expected.
We actually thought we’d easily get bored with it all, being told at the onset that it is about gender identity, sexual orientation – issues that we couldn’t really be bothered with.
There was also a bit of trepidation on our end, concerning the approach.
Would it be too preachy? Would it be too self-righteous?
We were proven wrong on both accounts.
“Choosing” is clear, straightforward but never boring. It’s fun, well-paced, easy to digest.
The writing (courtesy of Ice and Liza) is honest, candid, sometimes a tad too much.
The unobtrusive stage design adds to this, allowing audiences to focus on the plays’ central characters: Stella and Mitch.
Ice was perfect as Mitch – an individual having difficulty understanding his gender identity, no thanks to the long-established norms observed by those around him.
His portrayal was amusing, absorbing, relatable.
Liza’s Stella is the Yin to Mitch’s Yang.
She is as girly as one could get, “Sweet Valley High” books and all. Then again, she has her own troubles too, among them being molested at a young age by a relative.
That they would eventually found solace in each other explains the title: Love as with acceptance is a choice more than anything.
Honestly, it was hard to separate Ice and Liza from the characters they play.
It was actually quite easy for us to think they are very much the same individuals they are portraying but for the names.
And therein lies the conundrum: Was “Choosing” created in an effort to understand who they are and their relationship? Is it simply an artistic exercise meant to further widen their aptitude as actors? Maybe both?
Whatever the case maybe, in all “Choosing” is quite the eye-opener.
It might not offer direct answers or solutions but it makes you think and re-examine your bias.
We could only hope more people would be able to catch it.
