After given the opportunity to witness excerpts from the play Ward 448, one can easily sum it up as timely, heartbreaking, emotionally stirring, and definitely mind-blowing. The production will give you a better understanding and proper information about people afflicted with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, popularly known to many as HIV.
From Frontline Production Inc., written and directed by Rodel Mercado, the play is about the lives of three people who have HIV. How they got the virus, what are the repercussions they must face and why must they come “clean” with their status, specifically to their loved ones and families are the question the story wanted to resolve.
Playwright and director Mercado says: “ With the alarming incidence of HIV incidence in the Philippines nowadays, it is best to be informed than ignorant. My main objective for writing, directing and producing Ward 448 is to let the audiences realize that the sufferings, indignation of people who has acquired HIV. Not only are we talking here about the physical deterioration but the decline of emotional support and sympathy that one goes through once people find out that you are HIV positive,”
He carries on: “We want discussion, we are giving stories of three individuals who are dealing with the affliction. We aspire for a more humane and compassionate reaction to people who are carriers of this deadly virus.”
What makes this different from other plays about HIV? Director Mercado’s quick reply: “Well, this is from the point of view of people with HIV. Sila ang magkwekwento kung paano nila ito na-acquire. Knowing that they have it, they will reveal how it affected their lives, livelihood and how the people they love, specifically family, next of kin, friends and lovers reacion to what they have. Will they be accepted with a lot of sympathy and understanding? Will they be ridiculed, disowned o kaya pandidirihan at lalayuan? All these, the characters in the play, may kaniya-kaniyang answers and takes.”
He promises: “Yes, the play is brave and daring. But I made sure there are elements and moments in it na makakahinga ka naman as an audience. May laughter, tears, tender and intimate moments. What is most important is that when you get out of the theater, what you bring home is correct information about HIV/AIDS and that with the drama that unfolded, you will be more understanding of their emotional and personal battles and convictions.”
One of the major cast members is April Gutierrez who portrays the role of Carla Mae, a mother and household help to an influential family.
Alternately giving life to Kevin, the straight acting call center agent who has a penchant for complicated relationships are VJ Mendoza and Kevin Posadas.
Francis, who is the last major character, a gay impersonator who lives a rainbow-colored life, is seasoned actor Ronnie Martinez.
For Gutierrez, the biggest challenge of being Carla Mae is: “It was extra-challenging for me to bring out my bring out and channel my maternal side. Hindi pa kasi ako nanay. I have this breakdown scene in the play that is so painful to do. Pero liberating for the character because she was able to exorcise her demons and face the truth.”
“Maraming aral na matutuhan dito pero hindi siya preachy,” Mendoza declares. “Difficult and exciting to give life to Kevin because of his emotions can be compared to a roller coaster ride. One part of him is a sexual predator but a hopeless romantic. He loves the thrill of the chase and the conquering but at the end of the day, what he looks for is someone who will make him loved and secured. He longs for security, yung feeling na he belongs and is a part of a relationship.”
Martinez’s eyes turn misty as he talks about being Francis: “Hindi siya madaling gawin for me kasi may mga kaibigan akong nawala na dahil nagka-HIV sila, that eventually became AIDS and that was the cause of their demise. It was excruciating for me to go back to that place, yung ang dami mong gustong itanong at sabihin. My character here is almost diva-like, larger than life. He always tries his best to make happiness a daily choice.”
“He doesn’t care for the consequences of his actions. He knows kasi na mas mas madali ang maging masaya kesa maging malungkot. When people see you happy, the world smiles with you. When you are sad, no amount of people telling you that they understand how you feel will change and erase the sadness. You alone carry the heavy feeling, hindi ba?”
Ward 448 started its performance Feb. 2. Other performances are slated on Feb. 15, 18 and 29 at the San Sebastian College Recolletos Manila Auditorium. For tickets, please call: +632 869-3794 / 0905-8939869 / 0975-5305697.