Nope! Im not part of the next play from Red Turnip! But, hell yeah! they are back for second season with a new play “Rabbit Hole” .
Making a mark in the Philippine theater scene, Red Turnip theather compose of five actors (Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora) come up with a maiden season that would re-introduce Philippine audiences to the straight play while putting their own stamp on the theatrical experience.
From the bruising and honest take on modern day relationships (Closer) to the biting comedy about sexual identity (Cock), Red Turnip is back to kickstart its second season with the 2007 Pulitzer Prize winner, “Rabbit Hole”. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, “Rabbit Hole” was a Broadway hit that garnered several Tony nominations and a win for its lead actress, Cynthia Nixon. Rabbit Hole was then adapted into a critically-acclaimed filmwith Nicole Kidman in 2010 and earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
The story revolves around Becca and Howie, a couple who lose their four year old son to a car accident, and the grief that slowly threatens to tear them apart. Shifting between humour and heartbreak, “Rabbit Hole” explores the way people deal with loss and how this affects those closest to them; their families. Variety calls it “an intensely emotional examination of grief, laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion, and searing honesty”.
The Manila premier has film and television star Agot Isidro in the role of Becca, with theater veteran Michael Williams as her husband Howie. This production marks Agot’s return to theater after notable turns in Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah”, Atlantis Productions’ “Baby” and Trumpets’ “Honk!”. Williams’ long list of credits include starring roles in “Jekyll and Hyde”, “Les Miserables” and “Man of La Mancha” for Repertory Philippines.
The main cast of “Rabbit Hole” Agot Isidro and Michael Williams
Joining Isidro and Williams are Che Ramos-Cosio, Sheila Francisco and Ross Pesigan. Topper Fabregas makes his directorial debut for Rabbit Hole which opens on August 1, 2014 and runs all weekedns of August.
Topper Fabregas patiently listening to the bloggers questions
Next is a re-run of “Cock” by Mike Bartlett. A critical darling during its premiere last March, the original cast reunites for a limited run at Whitespace. Topper Fabregas, Niccolo Manahan, Jenny Jamora and Audie Gemora reprise their roles under Rem Zamora’s direction. “Cock”, heralded as “a triumph” and “a theatrical gem”, will run from October 3 – 5.
Capping off the season is “Time Stands Still” by Donald Margulies in February 2015. A Pulitzer Prize nominee, it tells the story of a photojournalist who is forced to return home from a war zone. She must then come to terms with her professional and personal life and her place in the world. Ana Abad Santos and Nonie Buencamino lead the cast. Rem Zamora directs.
Nonie Buencamino and Ana Abad Santos
RABBIT HOLE CREATIVE STAFF
Direction: Topper Fabregas
Technical Direction & Lighting Design: John Batalla
Set Design: Faust Peneyra
Sound Design: Jethro Joaquin
Venue: Whitespace is located at 2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati.
