What happens
when a young gay man falls in love with a woman? That’s the central conceit
behind Red Turnip Theater’s second offering, COCK by Mike Bartlett. A sold-out
hit when it first premiered in London in 2009 and subsequently during its
off-Broadway run a year later, COCK revolves around a gay couple whose rocky
relationship derails when one of them sleeps (and falls in love) with a woman.
Debates over one’s sexual identity explode when all three decide to sit down
and “duke it out” over dinner. Hilarity ensues when another unexpected guest
turns up and loyalties are put to the test. As one character puts it, “It’s the
ultimate bitch fight”.
The New York Times calls COCK “a terrific, tense
little comedy” while The Huffington Post hails it as “a terrific contemporary
play that puts much of other theatre to shame”. This critical darling is the
perfect bookend to Red Turnip’s maiden season.
Fresh off the success of their critically-acclaimed
CLOSER last October at Whitespace, Red Turnip promises another unique, in your
face theatrical experience with COCK. The vision of five estab-lished actors
(Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora),
Red Turnip aims to engage theatergoers with the sort of material that seems to
be in short supply in the country—the straight play.
Rem Zamora makes his directorial debut with
COCK.“We’re excited to be back in Whitespace. A lot of people who came to
CLOSER said they enjoyed the intimacy of the experience and the space. That was
in Hall B. We’re going even more intimate this time in the smaller Hall A. COCK
also plays in the round so it feels like you’re watching a fight in an arena—no
frills: just words and pure conflict in the ring, and an intense involvement in
the audience.”
Zamora has assembled a tight cast of theatrical
heavyweights for COCK’s Manila premier: Topper Fabregas (Boeing Boeing, The
Producers), Niccolo Manahan (Next Fall, Doubt), Jenny Jamora (Mind’s Eye, A
Little Night Music), Audie Gemora (Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables) Fabregas is
John, a young man caught between his gay lover and his growing attraction to
an-other woman- W, played by Jamora.
Niccolo Manahan makes a theatrical comeback as M,
John’s lover who isn’t about to let him go without a fight. “I feel ‘Cock’ will
be a great experiment for me; an experiment in balancing my life with the
things I enjoy doing, and an experiment in pushing my range. I don’t know where
this ex-periment will lead but its an incredible opportunity that I’m thankful
for.”
Rounding off this impressive cast is theatre
stalwart Audie Gemora as F, M’s well-meaning father whose sudden appearance at
dinner throws everyone for a loop. “The birth of a theater group is always
exciting and eventful with fresh artistic vision and passion. I am thrilled to
be part of Red Turnips 2nd offering, ‘Cock’. This is Rem Zamora's directorial
debut and my first time to be acting opposite brilliant young actors Niccolo
Manahan and Jenny Jamora, while Topper Fabregas takes on his most complex
character yet. Together we jump into a crackling cock fight of personalities,
emotions and words.”
COCK is a comedy… with bite. No props, scenery or
furniture. Just actors, sharp dialogue and some clever staging. All essential.
Absolutely Red Turnip.
COCK is supported by FILA through the kindness of
its President and owner Cris Albert. Supporting the arts has become one of her
numerous advocacies, a true testament to her gener-ous spirit and her
commitment to giving back to the community.
Direction by Rem Zamora, technical direction and
lighting design by John Batalla, set design by Denis Lagdameo and sound design
by Jethro Joaquin.
Cock will be staged at Whitespace — 2314 Chino Roces
Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati — on March 7, 14, 21,
28 and April 4 (Friday, 9 p.m.); March 8, 15, 29 and April 5 (Saturday, 8
p.m.); April 5, Saturday at 4 p.m.; March 9, 16, 23 and April 6 (Sunday, 4
p.m.) and special closing gala on April 6, Sunday, 8 p.m. Tickets are available
through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) Or Red Turnip Theater
(redturniptheater@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater)
FOR THE BLOGGERS:
There will be a Media Preview in Whitespace and If you are interested in joining this is what you need to do:
PLEASE REPOST THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR BLOG, LEAVE THE LINK WITH YOUR DETAILS ( EMAIL/ CONTACT DETAILS)
IF CHOSEN EXPECT A PRIVATE MESSAGE FROM ME
DRESS CODE: SEMI FORMAL
FOR THE BLOGGERS:
There will be a Media Preview in Whitespace and If you are interested in joining this is what you need to do:
PLEASE REPOST THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR BLOG, LEAVE THE LINK WITH YOUR DETAILS ( EMAIL/ CONTACT DETAILS)
IF CHOSEN EXPECT A PRIVATE MESSAGE FROM ME
DRESS CODE: SEMI FORMAL
Leira Pagaspas- admin@pagaspas.com http://glamoleira.blogspot.com/2014/02/cock-by-rem-zamora.html
ReplyDeleteMichael Macalos - michaelmacalos@gmail.com
ReplyDeletehttp://michaelmacalos.com
Vance Madrid
ReplyDeletehttp://purpleplumfairy.blogspot.com/2014/02/fila-supports-theater-and-arts.html
email: smileymommey@gmail.com
Willa Stock
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thefashionblogger.net
willastock@yahoo.ca
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHana Abello
ReplyDeletehana.abello@gmail.com
dollhana.com
Pepi de Leon
ReplyDeletepromking@kampeonngpagibig.com
http://www.kampeonngpagibig.com/2014/02/25/fila-supports-the-arts/
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRodel Flordeliz
ReplyDeleterodelflordeliz@gmail.com
http://www.rodelflordeliz.com/2014/02/25/fila-supports-cock-by-mike-bartlett/
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBedalyn Aguas
ReplyDeletedbedalyn@yahoo.com
http://mamiandfamily.blogspot.com/2014/02/fila-supports-art.html
Justin Torres
ReplyDeleteiamtheblueddevil@gmail.com
http://iamthebluedevil.blogspot.com/2014/02/playbook-cock-by-rem-zamora.html
Aylin | www.thedailyposh.net
ReplyDeleteaylin0315@gmail.com
http://www.thedailyposh.net/2014/02/fila-supports-cock-by-mike-bartlett.html
Gracee Bongolan
ReplyDeletepure_shores07@yahoo.com
http://itsmegracee.blogspot.com/2014/02/fila-supports-arts.html
Jing Javier
ReplyDeleteamazingjing88(at)gmail(dot)com
http://amazingjingforlife.blogspot.com/2014/02/fila-supports-arts.html
Hope to join you! ;)
Michelle Estranero
ReplyDeletehushbaby22@yahoo.com
http://www.r0ckstarm0mma.com/2014/02/fila-supports-arts.html
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGrace Abonillo
ReplyDeletegrasyah@gmail.com
http://www.shutterbugmom.com/2014/02/fila-supports-arts.html
Ria Hazel Lumandog
ReplyDeleteRhclumandog@gmail.com
http://sugarsmile.blogspot.com/2014/02/fila-supports-arts.html
Marco Polo Demo
ReplyDeletemarcopolojdemo@yahoo.com
http://kwentototo.blogspot.com/2014/02/fila-supports-artistry-of-cock.html
Angelyn Demo
ReplyDeletesatnom@yahoo.com.ph
http://mommysmaglife.blogspot.com/2014/02/fila-supports-arts-and-supports-cock-by.html
Sire Arevalo
ReplyDeletesire_arevalo@yahoo.com
http://urmajestysire.wordpress.com/2014/02/26/fila-supports-the-arts/
Shawn Andrei Summers
ReplyDeletetosch.alegre@yahoo.com
http://lifebeyond8to5.blogspot.com/2014/02/cock-by-mike-bartlett.html
Name: Myk Rome
ReplyDeleteEmail: mykrome23@gmail.com
Blog-post:
http://mykrome23.blogspot.com/2014/02/fila-supports-arts.html
http://b2bcarshow.blogspot.com/2014/02/fila-supports-arts.html