Japanese people, especially Japanese men possesses some unique pride and honor. To preserve some dignity left upon them in some misfortunes, they would commit Harakiri, or end their lives in some manners.
Some mutilate and even castrate themselves, or, hang themselves up, jump off the buildings and a few more simply hurt themselves. It all started ancient of years back... and/but even in the modern times, some true-blooded Japanese men still value that "strange quality".
For a fine, young man to 'slice-off' the PEARL of his being, he had only proven his point of 'earthly measures' to one woman, and further attested his loyalty to another.
Happiness Is A Pearl, a play written by Rody Vera and directed by Paul Jake Paule for Artists Playground is one play that would leave you off-guard, tantalized and scandalized.
Paul Jake Paule's style of direction was swift, accurate in detail and appealing to the senses. There's so much ART involved in every scene, so much passion, so much angst. And director Paul handled it with much fragility, unlimited effort and raw seduction. Very beautiful.
The actor and the other players, all acted with great motivations and proper gestures. Arvin Trinidad as Kenji was soulful. Catherine Go as Mari was daring and convincing. and Sheena Ramos as Maria was natural, gifted and luscious. Excellent.
The lighting, dark in many times, but dramatic until the end.
The stage design- compact and free-wheeling.
The Tango dances did not distract the Japanese motiff of the play, though "alien" to the texture, it still 'miraculously' comprehended in a dissolving manner.
The tug-of-war between two women who loved a Japanese man named Kenji was tiring to feel at. But in the end, everything was justified. The Filipina won by heart, but lost the "Pearl". The Japanese woman lost by love, yet managed to move on.
Feeling artsy on a boring Sunday would do just that. An explicit showcase to the innermost senses and greatly presented in an intimate theater venue- hungers for color and lust were very much quenched.
"I love how the sun sets here, it's so lovely", came Kenji's final words at the ending of his story.
But vaguely enough, THE SUN NEVER SETS IN MANILA. It only offers, it only shows, it only brags how beautiful it could be. But it never sets.
Because just like the Filipina he loved so much, pure hearts never sets out. It only sets in.
Alongside with canned music and live piano accompaniment, a Tango of love and desire was one dance that's worth redeeming.
And with the gentle hands of a finely-crafted literary piece...
life takes you back-
to the
most intimate pleasures of your heart.
FOREVER.
(as written by robert silverio)
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