‘Devirginized’: The ‘Virgin’ Playwrights of CCP’s VLF XX: Hinog and their bold narratives
Virginity might be a social construct but it rests at the core of Virgin Labfest (VLF). Since its establishment in 2005, the nation’s biggest theater festival has given the word a more intimate yet mature definition.
Virginity, within the context of VLF, refers to the primal act of becoming one with performance art for the first time. Under the theme “Hinog,” the festival features 12 untried, untested, and unstaged plays in its milestone year.
Among the chosen narratives written by ‘virgin’ playwrights are Chris Joseph Junio’s Mga Magindara sa Siyudad, Presidential Suite #2 by Siege Malvar, Imuthis’ Ang Problema sa Trolley, and Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo’s Unang Araw.
Unraveling raw emotions in VLFXX: Hinog
“The political climate in our country has divided the spirit of true and real unity,” stated Unang Araw’s Gentolizo. His thrilling play drew inspiration from politicians who view Filipinos as mere tools for personal gain. He wondered, “Since when and how did we allow these corrupt leaders to spread lies and sow division?”
Imuthis, playwright of Ang Problema sa Trolley, held the same frustration towards the nation’s low age for sexual consent. The age of consent used to be 18 years old and was then lowered to 12. In 2022, former President Duterte raised it to 16 years old through signing Republic Act No. 11648 (Act Raising the Age of Sexual Consent). “We are dying for justice talaga dahil sa bulok na pagbibigay ng hustisya,” shared Imuthis.
While recognizing that democracy has “parts that don’t work,” Malvar’s nationalism persevered in Presidential Suite #2. He masterfully merged politics with the complexity of familial love, “I focused on the play’s heart, which is the unique dynamics of Filipino families.”
Meanwhile, the commodification of circus performers is an issue that ‘virgin’ playwright Junio holds dearly. A side show in Bulacan left him a lasting impression, “May napanood ako no’ng 2010, si ‘Babaeng Uod’. Wala siyang mga braso, ‘tapos iisa lang ang binti niya.”
After watching Kara David’s documentary Paglipas ng Perya, Junio’s decision to capture the dwindling magic of circuses solidified.
Riveting stories from harsh realities
Through Mga Magindara sa Siyudad, Junio created a space dedicated to queers and persons with disabilities (PWDs). He developed the draft with their plight in mind: “Kailangan ng mga dulang katulad nito [Mga Magindara] kung saan malaya tayong magsalaysay nang hindi iginigiit ang ipinagkakait sa atin ng lipunan. Nasa pusod ng dulang ito ang ating laban para sa karapatang pantao.”
“Ang dula ay hindi dapat ma-indoctrinate,” added Imuthis.
In Ang Problema sa Trolley, he presented performing arts as the perfect environment for open discussions. He continued, “May mga mali na parang tama at may mga tama na parang mali.Ang hustisya ay hindi natatapos sa kamatayan. Hindi rin ito maibibigay ng kamatayan.”
Malvar echoed Imuthis’ sentiments. In Presidential Suite #2, he demonstrated how politicians exchange their humanity for power while corrupting their own kin. He advised, “Don’t worship politicians. Hold them accountable.”
Malvar echoed Imuthis’ sentiments. In Presidential Suite #2, he demonstrated how politicians exchange their humanity for power while corrupting their own kin. He advised, “Don’t worship politicians. Hold them accountable.”
By weaving the lives of four hitmen in Unang Araw, Gentolizo urged Filipino audiences to acknowledge the lasting effects of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) committed during Duterte’s administration. “No matter the cost, we should never forget our dark history,” he lamented.
VLFXX: Hinog as an “orgasmic” experience
Deriving his pen name from a character in Jose Rizal’s El Filibusterismo, Imuthis considers himself a “vessel” of stories. His VLF journey began in 2022 as a fellow under the mentorship of veteran writer Glenn Sevilla Mas. “Being part of VLF feels like I’ve been seen,” said Imuthis with a grateful smile.
“Untried, untested, and unstaged” plays are the heart of VLF. For Malvar, the call rang like a dare to write against all odds. He eventually gave in to the challenge and succeeded: “I can’t believe that people are clapping for something that I wrote. VLF was painful but orgasmic.”
In 2018, Gentolizo was among VLF’s wide-eyed onlookers. Now, in the festival’s milestone year, the creative consciousness that awakened in him drove him to witness it firsthand. “The whole process of writing and rewriting has changed me for the better. There’s still so much more to learn,” he expressed.
Being chosen as one of this year’s ‘virgin’ playwrights also stripped Junio of his fears: “Huwag matakot matuto. Hayaan mong baguhin ng kapwa at ng kapaligiran mo ang buhay mo. Dito ka kumuha ng enerhiyang magbunsod din ng kahit katiting na pagbabago.”
Pages of jarring stories are translated onstage with the perfect blend of courage and commitment through VLF. For ‘virgin’ playwrights Junio, Malvar, Gentolizo, and Imuthis, the festival is more than just a safe space for fearless storytelling. Ultimately, the VLF stage witnessed their inexplicable need to impart, understand, and be understood as artists.
Catch Junio’s Mga Magindara sa Siyudad, Gentolizo’s Unang Araw, Imuthis’ Ang Problema sa Trolley, and Presidential Suite #2 by Malvar at VLFXX: Hinog until June 29, Sunday, at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater).
For details and updates on the festival schedule and ticket prices, visit the official accounts of CCP, VLF, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Writer’s Bloc on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Email salesandpromotions@
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