The times demand that Callie and Sara's story be told again through #StopKissMNL

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Stop Kiss is a play by Diana Son, first staged 2003 in the Philippines by New Voice Company with the same lead actors. It tells the story of two women who have found each other. Sara just moved to New York and teaches while Callie is a traffic reporter. All goes well as they slowly, innocently find warmth in each other's company. Right when they surrender their lips to each other, they are physically attacked, resulting to Sara falling into a coma. The non-linear narrative explores how relationships begin, develop, and even end. At that time theater newcomers Missy Maramara and Jenny Jamora played Sara and Callie respectively.
Flash forward 16 years and the struggle for equality for the LGBTQIA+ is still present. There are still news reports on hate crime, even in the most progressive cities. Unfortunately, in 2019, Stop Kiss still demands to be staged and it is still relevant. This time, though, the roles are reversed. Missy now plays Callie and Jenny plays Sara. Both Jenny and Missy consider their first run as one of their big breaks. From then to today, both have proven to be two of the greatest theater actors and directors in the Philippine theater scene. They are definitely two of my favorites!
A play that chooses love above discrimination and violence will always be important. Also, representation is important. There have been very few plays that represent a lesbian love story and I was ecstatic when I heard about Stop Kiss!
One interesting aspect of the production is having a male director. Ed Lacson, Jr., was asked to fill the role when a woman director declined due schedule conflicts. Ed brings in a fresh perspective as a director and a stage designer. According to Missy, his style blends well with the actors, resulting to healthy exhanges and dialogues leading to continuous progress behind the scenes. I'm also a big fan of Ed's design. If you didn't see Constellations, I feel sorry for you!
Joining Missy and Jenny in the cast are Tarek El Tayech as George, Gabe Mercado as Peter, Robbie Guevara as Detective Cole, Jay Valencia-Glorioso as Mrs. Winsley, and J-mee Katanyag as Nurse. It will feature sound design by Teresa Barrozo, and costume design by Tata Tuviera. This run is being co-presented by Positive Space, MusicArtes, and New Voice Company.
Stop Kiss will have a limited 8-show run from July 12 to 14 and 19 to 21 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati. Tickets are now available at https://www.ticket2me.net/e/2445/stop-kiss. The July 13, 3PM is for the benefit of Spark Philippines, an organization that advocates women's economic empowerment and LGBT equality. The July 20, 3PM show is for the benefit of Galang, a group that helps lesbians, bisexual women, and transmen in urban poor communities.

For showbuying and other inquiries, contact Camille Abaya at 09158359210 or stopkiss2018@gmail.com.

#StopKissMNL

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