Yes, I did enjoy my first Cock experience, and I want to come back again for more of Cock. I hope I don’t get penalized by Google with this blog entry title and introduction.
I experienced the Cock last week in White Space with other members of the press. You can read about the Cock Play here. In an intimate room with warm lighting, a cock pit is set up in the middle – no props, no back draft, and no music – just the cock pit where the dialogues, sweet-nothings, and confrontations took place.
Instead of cocks (roosters), two men opened up the play – they are lovers.
What will happen when a gay man falls in love with a woman? I am as curious as everyone. I never had a friend or someone admits that he has fallen in love with a woman – and I never know any girl who has fallen in love with a gay man. It may be the biggest mystery of the world – what is inside his heart, and mind – and who would he choose?
The Cock by Red Turnip Production let us inside two men’s love nest and their caves. The dialogues are sharp, witty and engaging – delivered by strong characters who make each and every viewer a part of the play – thank you to the lines that hit an emotion and/or an idea, or probably a realization to the majority of audience encircled in the cock pit – a validation is made through a heartfelt laugh – or a raised eyebrow (as the light bulb suddenly lights up on top of your head. An epiphany!)
Click Read More to know more about the Cock..
The players in the cock pit are veteran stage actors – Audie Gemora, Topper Fabregas, Niccolo Manahan and Jenny Jamora. The gay lovers – Topper and Niccolo are so convincing – I have to ask my friend if these actors are confirmed gays (I am crazy I know!). Jenny sure embodies the typical girl lover (just watch the play! you can so relate to her!), while part of me wants to kick Audie out of the stage – because he is so effective in his role!
At the end of each act, the anticipation just simply heightens with such intense acting, and strong dialogues. The actors did very well in playing with our thoughts and creating visuals in our head – it felt like making love with the play and stringing fantasies in your head – depending on which character you can relate more. Yes, there are romantic moments (you will be pleasantly surprised!) and bitch fights – that make you realize that men can be more bitchy than women.
The play tackles more than one’s sexuality and preferences. It digs deeper into the topic of making choices for yourself, and the choices that will make you who you are. Yes, there is a deeper message to the play more than knowing how a gay man feels the first time he does it with a woman. I don’t want to give everything away here – simply put, I enjoyed my first Cock experience.
You should experience the Cock too. I gave the Cock a standing ovation (everyone will rise for such great play!)- and a much deserved applause.
Let me end this post with a line that I remember from the play:
“I miss him, but not because he is physically there.. but because he is in my head.”
Like, something is telling me that you just got used to the idea – a memory probably stored in your brain cells, but the feeling is no longer there. Makes you think? 🙂
Pictures were taken during the quick Q&A – you have to see the COCK! If you have missed the first run of the Cock, you are in luck!
The “year’s fiercest quartet of actors” (Philippine Daily Inquirer) have returned to reprise their critically-heralded performances. Topper Fabregas is John, Niccolo Manahan is M, Jenny Jamora is W, and Audie Gemora completes the cast as F.
JENNY JAMORA: “I love how people became so invested in our characters. We would have houses where audiences would heckle and cheer out loud. People would choose sides and root for certain characters. I’d have people come up to me after a show and tell me that they either wanted to hug me…or punch me in the face (but in a good way daw). We perform the show in the round and we actually had an audience member who came to the show four times because he wanted to see the show from all angles. As an actor, I’ve never been part of something that’s generated this much discussion. It’s very rewarding.”
REM ZAMORA: “I think one of the main reasons as to why the show is such a hit is because the script is brilliant. People could relate to the situation and these characters, regardless of their sexual preference. It also doesn’t hurt that I’ve been blessed with an amazing cast who’ve brought the script to places I never thought possible. People have never seen a show and a cast quite like this one. I mean, where else would you find a show that’s got a hilarious, show-stopping sex scene where none of the actors take off any of their clothes ?”.
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
March 7, 14, 21, 28 April 4 (Friday, 9 p.m.)
March 8, 15, 29 and April 5 (Saturday, 8 p.m.)
March 9, 16, 23 and April 6 (Sunday, 4 p.m.
April 5, Saturday at 4 p.m
Special closing gala on April 6, Sunday, 8 p.m.
OCTOBER 3 (Friday, 9 p.m.)
OCTOBER 4 and 5 (Saturday / Sunday, 4 pm. and 8 p.m.)
Tickets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) or Red Turnip Theater ([email protected] or https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater)
