Provocative, hilarious ‘Seminar’

CEBU, Philippines - Four young aspiring novelists sign up for private writing classes with an international literary figure. Getting more than they bargained for under the mentor’s unorthodox methods, they get a lesson in survival beyond the literary world.

That pretty much sums up “Seminar,” the provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck which opened on Broadway on November 2011 and played its final performance on May 2012.

Rebeck is a widely produced playwright throughout the United States and abroad. For television, she has written for Dream On, Brooklyn Bridge, L.A. Law, American Dreamer, Maximum Bob, First Wave, and Third Watch. Her most popular creation to date is the NBC drama “Smash.”

This September, Cebuano theater enthusiasts will get the chance to witness “Seminar” through the efforts of GoGo Heart Theatre, a theater company headed by New York theater veteran and International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) Acting Director Alex Murphy.

The ensemble cast features Murphy (also the director and executive producer) as the jaded yet brilliant writing teacher named Leonard, and four passionate Cebuano thespians: Best Actor Sinulog 2012 winner Eli Razo, actress and producer Eden Villarba of the acclaimed indie film, “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria,” thespian Jett Pe of Vagina Monologues, and rising feature film actress Sam Booc who will make her feature debut in a lead role in the international film, “Hello Forever.”

Murphy, who has been living in Cebu for the past five years, said he has been a fan of Rebeck for the longest time. He has done several short films in the Philippines in the past 36 months and is currently working on a full-length play.

“I was looking for a play that will translate well enough for Filipino culture as well. I came across ‘Seminar’ and I think this has a fairly universal message on relationships, on creativity, on artists and on novelists. I had worked with three of the four actors in the cast. I had the chance to observe them in a classroom setting and in a number of short films over a long period of time. So I was also looking for material where I could use these actors.”

Razo, a film and stage actor, shared of his role Martin, “Amongst the writers, my character is the shy and neurotic one even when he has a lot to offer. He has a lot of issues.”

Villarba’s Kate is the group’s intense and uptight writer. “The good thing about each of our roles, we represent people that anyone would now. She’s the by-the-book kind of girl. I’m the rich writer and the one with the most education. I think like my work is so good.”

Pe as Douglas described his part as the pompous, self-absorbed writer hailing from an old-rich clan. “He’s well-known, not because he had achieved something, but because of his family name. He doesn’t need to announce himself. People already know who he is.”

The resident tease of the four is Izzy, played by Sam Booc. This petite gal marks her debut as a professional stage actress in Seminar. She graduated with a Diploma in Performing Arts with majors in Acting in 2010 at IAFT, and has done several cameo roles for various theatrical scene presentations both in Manila and Cebu.

“Izzy is smarter than she looks. She would appear to be just this sexy and flashy girl in the beginning. In a way, she misrepresents herself. You would see her do a lot of shocking things during the play. She’s basically a slutty writer,” said Booc, who’s currently on the top list of actress to play different roles for student short film and features for International Short Film Festivals produced by IAFT.

The cast promised a different theater experience with their intimate, boutique venue, as only 50 seats are available per play date.

Villarba pointed out the advantage of this set-up versus that of a huge theatre. “For this play which is about relationships, having an intimate venue allows the audience to be in on the conversations. Each audience member gets the privilege of a premiere seat. Minute details like a simple twitch in the face are also better seen. The intimate feel makes you feel involved with the characters even more.”

“I don’t think anyone will regret seeing it. You will be in for a crazy ride. I cannot emphasize that enough. It’s bitingly real, frank and hilarious,” Villarba vowed.

GoGo Heart Theatre Production will devote 10% of its ticket sales to the Albert Schweitzer Children’s Haven Orphanage in Cordova, Cebu.

Catch this 90-minute play at the mezzanine floor of the Adnama Building, above The Chillage located at the North Reclamation Area at these following dates: September 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. (FREEMAN)