Can comedy unite a divided nation?
Theater
Extra Judicial Kidding
Feb. 15, 8 p.m.
Newport Performing Arts Theater,
Resorts World Manila, Pasay City
IN A BID to see if laughter can bring a divided nation together, Resorts World Manila alongside The Ultimate Shows, Inc., brings together three of the country’s best comedic acts in a one-night performance cheekily titled Extra Judicial Kidding.
“The reward [in staging such a show is] would be to find out after two hours that we could all come together in one room, in a theater, and we’re united in laughter and that we’re committed to finding common ground where we can laugh and forget about all the stress,” said veteran comedian and impersonator, Jon Santos, during a press conference on Feb. 2 at Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.
Mr. Santos will be joined by US-based stand-up comedian, Rex Navarette and theater actress Kakai Bautista, in a two-hour performance featuring musical performances from Ms. Bautista, impersonations from Mr. Santos, and new material from Mr. Navarette.
“I travel with my material and never really have to change it much because the world has been on the same page lately,” noted Mr. Navarrete before adding that while his material is in English, “it’s still very much Filipino.” Mr. Navarette has traveled throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, and Canada, bringing with him his brand of “Pinoy humor,” which stems from his experiences as a Filipino-American.
“I always look forward to a predominantly Filipino audience… I think our sense of humor is very similar and people think our humor is at a certain level, no! We’re very sophisticated, we find out the hard way,” he said.
Mr. Santos is best known for impersonating celebrities — he came to the press conference as Miss Universe 2016, Iris Mittenaere — and stole the show in the musical theater production, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Ms. Bautista, known for her impressive vocal chops, has starred in several film and television productions and is best known for starring in the musical Rak of Aegis.
The show is directed by Joaquin Valdes, a film and theater actor currently starring as Spike in the Repertory Philippines’ comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.
“There’s only one stand this show [will have] — it’s that whatever side you’re on, whatever view you may have, we’re all still coming together in laughter and love and in moving forward,” Mr. Valdes said at the press conference.
“Instead of fighting each other, let’s come together and laugh,” he added.
Mr. Valdes said that they understand that doing a performance based on extrajudicial killings — which according to some sources has so far claimed more 7,000 lives — was risky but it’s a risk worth taking.
“Are we ready to laugh about this? And let’s see. It’s risk Resorts World took and it’s a risk we’re taking as performers and as artists. And I think that’s what makes comedy great: when you’re taking a risk and going balls out there and just see if it’s going to fly or not. It’s a risk and a risk worth taking,” he said.
“We hope our hunch is right that it’s going to be a fun evening where we can embrace each other’s differences and be united in the spirit of laughter,” said Mr. Santos. — Zsarlene B. Chua
For tickets, contact the RWM sales team at 908-8000 loc. 7768 or 8079, TicketWorld at 891-9999, or the Resorts World Manila Box Office at 908-8000 local 7700.
