Duncan Macmillan’s “Lungs” and “Every Brilliant Thing” are returning to Manila as part of the Sandbox Festival 2023, which was cut short in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, Toff de Venecia, shared during a press conference, that the two materpieces are going to be translated in FIlipino.
“Here in Manila, we’re bilingual. We were able to do it twice in English. But in some countries where English is not their primary language, it has been translated. He (Duncan Macmillan) encourages localization, adjusting it to where it’s set.”
Both Duncan Macmillan’s “Lungs” and “Every Brilliant Thing” will return to the stage as a twin bill experience, where ticket buyers can watch both shows in a single, same-day ticket.
“Lungs” tells the tale of a young couple who find themselves at a crossroads as they contemplate starting a family amidst a backdrop of political unrest, climate change, and the myriad challenges faced by society in an ever-evolving world.
During its original run in 2018, “Lungs” received seven Gawad Buhay nominations including Best Female Lead in a play for Sab Jose. This year’s production at Sandbox Fest will feature the esteemed presence of Reb Atadero, a theater actor nominated for Gawad Buhay, along with the talented Brian Sy and Justine Peña.
In a noteworthy transition, Caisa Borromeo, a recipient of the prestigious Gawad Buhay Award, will take on the role of director for “Lungs,” having previously served as the show’s assistant director in 2018 and 2020.
The timely message of finding joy in the ordinary and valuing the everyday moments resonates more deeply than ever in “Every Brilliant Thing.”
Returning to the stage for this captivating one-woman show is the multi-talented Teresa Herrera, renowned as an actress, model, and TV host. Sharing the spotlight, the exceptional theater actress, multimedia host, entrepreneur, and Gawad Buhay Awardee Kakki Teodoro will also grace the performances.
Meanwhile, Jenny Jamora, the accomplished director behind previous successful runs of the show, will once again lend her expertise, having been honored with the Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play at the 12th Gawad Buhay Awards.
In a recent announcement, comedian Jon Santos has been added to the cast. He will be performing a Filipino version of “Every Brilliant Thing,” translated by Guelan Luarca.
“The estate of Duncan Macmillan, they’re so cool,” said Toff de Venecia. “He really encourages localization, adjusting anywhere it’s set. So we’re very excited for this Guelan Luarca translation of ‘Every Brilliant Thing.’ Of course, Guelan Luarca is a Palanca Award-winning and Gawad Buhay Award-winning playwright. And we’re so fortunate to have THE Jon Santos perform this Filipino version so that he can also provide the male experience, the queer experience, and the Filipino experience.”
The highly anticipated Sandbox Fest 2023 is set to take place at the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, located at the second floor of the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BGC, Taguig from June 17 to July 15, 2023
