A scene at the play ‘4000 Miles’
MANILA, Philippines — “Heartfelt, moving and poignant.”
This is how veteran director Bart Guingona describes Repertory Philippines’ presentation of the play ‘4000 Miles.’
The dramatic comedy revolves around the relationship of an old woman ‘Vera,’ played by veteran actress Baby Barredo, and her grandson ‘Leo’ played by neophyte actor Jeff Flores. The play also stars theater actors Casa Borromeo and Cara Barredo.
“It’s really about the bonding between two generations. They’re two generations removed. It’s not about him and his mom. It’s about him and his grandmother,” Guingona said.
According to Guingona, ‘4000 Miles’ deviates from the usual dramatic devices used in ordinary plays.
“There’s no melodrama; no shouting; no slapping, none of those. It’s quiet yet it’s so moving.”
‘4000 Miles’ has won best play in Obie Awards last 2012 and was a finalist for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.
Those who watched its first performance were amazed by the play’s artistic quality.
“It’s nice to see these different characters in different stages of their age and how they relate to each other and the learning curve,” theater fan Bella Monse said,
“It was a new thing for me to experience. So, I really enjoyed it,” shared another fan Alvin Reyes .
‘4000 Miles’ will be shown onstage in Greenbelt One until March 26. Tickets worth 400 to 600 pesos are available at Ticketworld outlets. (JOYCE BALANCIO / UNTV News)