Eugene is Bona in theater

MANILA, Philippines - Bona re-emerges in August as Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) opens its 45th theater season in retrospect of a film classic that once captivated the Filipino audience.

Originally directed by National Artist for Film and one of PETA’s founding members Lino Brocka, the film Bona is about a young schoolgirl played by Nora Aunor who became a die-hard fan of Gardo, a wannabe actor essayed by Philip Salvador.

Set in contemporary Manila, PETA’s stage adaptation evolves around Eugene Domingo (photo) in the title role, a spinster call center agent who becomes a fan of Gino Sanchez, essayed by Edgar Allan Guzman as a contestant in the talent search Star of Tomorrow. Blinded by her obsession on Gino, Bona turns her back on everything she values and gives up nearly everything she has. Caught in a quicksand of worship and pity, Bona proves how obsession may overpower love and even lead to a person’s demise.

(Bona will run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 23 at The PETA Theater Center. For details, call 725-6244 or 0917-5765400 or e-mail [email protected] or www.ticketworld.com.ph.)