Jon Santos performs ‘Every Brilliant Thing’. Added a touch of Filipino flavor, the play has been expertly translated by the acclaimed playwright Guelan Luarca.
During the press conference on May 16 for the upcoming Sandbox Fest, celebrity impersonator and comedian, Jon Santos stressed how he related to the struggles and issues tackled in ‘Every Brilliant Thing’, specifically his struggle with mental health.
Jon Santos confessed, “A month or two before the lockdown naging bahagi ako ng fundraiser to sustain a helpline for mental health. Ang mental health ko ay nagdaan sa real dark places at sa brilliant light bulb moments.”
Known for his comedic and satirical impersonations of famous personalities, Jon Santos shares how ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ provides him with a distinct outlet. “I really, really relish… kasi sa political satire, maingat ako na magpakita ng kulay. I just portray the stories of the different characters. In fact, lahat sila i-spoof. And tawag sa akin ay equal opportunity offender. But here, I don’t mind na nag-o-overlap ang aming agenda.”
Despite the challenges of performing a revised version of this beloved material, Jon Santos is confident that addressing universal issues will make it easily accessible. This will transcend language barriers.
“So exciting to read the draft na malaman na sinasalin siya na hindi lamang mga salita kundi pati sa mga konteksto, kultura at tyaka tumawid sa gender issue,” said Santos.
‘Every Brilliant Thing’ is coming to Manila in a full Filipino experience. The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, Toff de Venecia, claims that having THE Jon Santos perform the Filipino version of the beloved piece adds to this experience.
De Venecia stated, “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.”
This year’s Sandbox Fest will run at the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, 2/F Maybank Performing Arts Theater at BGC, Taguig, from June 17 to July 15.
