Agot Isidro Makes Theater Return with Red Turnip's Rabbit Hole

Singer and actress Agot Isidro returns to the stage with the Philippine adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Rabbit Hole" produced by Red Turnip Theater.

Isidro, who last had a theatrical appearance in 2007 with Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, will give life to the lead role of Becca, a mother grappling with the loss of her son.

"I'm a little nervous about going back to the theater because it has been seven years since my last production," Isidro said on her comeback.

However, the current "Kambal Sirena" star added, "I am excited at the same time because I know it will be a welcome and enriching break after years of TV work."

Asked about giving straight plays, which Red Turnip usually presents a try, the musical veteran said, "It's a challenge for me. A straight play is all new to me, but I am looking forward to the process."

Joining Isidro are theater veteran Michael Williams as her husband Howie, Che Cosio as Izzy, Ross Pesigan as Jason, and Sheila Francisco as Nat.

Topper Fabregas, one of the guys behind Red Turnip, makes his directorial debut.

Fabregas, known for his role in "Cock", was once reluctant on doing the directorial job for "Rabbit Hole". "I did not intend to be the director," he said.

He accepted the job after getting convinced by his fellow co-founders. "This is my personal favorite play, so they entrusted me on doing this job," he added.

Francisco instantly accepted the role of Nat, Becca's mother, after Fabregas reached to her. "Topper convinced me to play in Rabbit Hole because we are already close to each other. I met him when he was young. I watched him grow into a good theater actor, so I did not hesitate on taking the role when he told me he will direct the play," said Francisco.

"Rabbit Hole" opens on August 1 and runs all weekends of August at the Whitespace along Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City. Tickets are available through Ticketworld and at Red Turnip Theater. This play is co-presented by Fila.

Red Turnip Brings Cock to PH

What happens when a young gay man falls in love with a woman? That’s the central conceit behind Red Turnip Theater’s second offering, Cock by Mike Bartlett. A sold-out hit when it first premiered in London in 2009 and subsequently during its off-Broadway run a year later, Cock revolves around a gay couple whose rocky relationship derails when one of them sleeps (and falls in love) with a woman. Debates over one’s sexual identity explode when all three decide to sit down and “duke it out” over dinner. Hilarity ensues when another unexpected guest turns up and loyalties are put to the test. As one character puts it, “It’s the ultimate bitch fight”. 

The New York Times calls Cock “a terrific, tense little comedy” while The Huffington Post hails it as “a terrific contemporary play that puts much of other theatre to shame”. This critical darling is the perfect bookend to Red Turnip’s maiden season. 

Fresh off the success of their critically-acclaimed Closer last October at Whitespace, Red Turnip promises another unique, in your face theatrical experience with Cock. The vision of five estab-lished actors (Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora), Red Turnip aims to engage theatergoers with the sort of material that seems to be in short supply in the country—the straight play. 

Rem Zamora makes his directorial debut with Cock.“We’re excited to be back in Whitespace. A lot of people who came to Closer said they enjoyed the intimacy of the experience and the space. That was in Hall B. We’re going even more intimate this time in the smaller Hall A. Cock also plays in the round so it feels like you’re watching a fight in an arena—no frills: just words and pure conflict in the ring, and an intense involvement in the audience.” 

Zamora has assembled a tight cast of theatrical heavyweights for Cock’s Manila premier: Topper Fabregas (Boeing Boeing, The Producers), Niccolo Manahan (Next Fall, Doubt), Jenny Jamora (Mind’s Eye, A Little Night Music), Audie Gemora (Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables) Fabregas is John, a young man caught between his gay lover and his growing attraction to an-other woman- W, played by Jamora.

Niccolo Manahan makes a theatrical comeback as M, John’s lover who isn’t about to let him go without a fight. “I feel ‘Cock’ will be a great experiment for me; an experiment in balancing my life with the things I enjoy doing, and an experiment in pushing my range. I don’t know where this ex-periment will lead but its an incredible opportunity that I’m thankful for.” 

Rounding off this impressive cast is theatre stalwart Audie Gemora as F, M’s well-meaning father whose sudden appearance at dinner throws everyone for a loop. “The birth of a theater group is always exciting and eventful with fresh artistic vision and passion. I am thrilled to be part of Red Turnips 2nd offering, ‘Cock’. This is Rem Zamora's directorial debut and my first time to be acting opposite brilliant young actors Niccolo Manahan and Jenny Jamora, while Topper Fabregas takes on his most complex character yet. Together we jump into a crackling cock fight of personalities, emotions and words.” 

Cock is a comedy… with bite. No props, scenery or furniture. Just actors, sharp dialogue and some clever staging. All essential. Absolutely Red Turnip. 

Cock is supported by Fila through the kindness of its President and owner Cris Albert. Supporting the arts has become one of her numerous advocacies, a true testament to her gener-ous spirit and her commitment to giving back to the community. 

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—on March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4 (Friday, 9 p.m.); March 8, 15, 29 and April 5 (Saturday, 8 p.m.); April 5, Saturday at 4 p.m.; March 9, 16, 23 and April 6 (Sunday, 4 p.m.) and special closing gala on April 6, Sunday, 8 p.m. Tickets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) Or Red Turnip Theater (redturniptheater@gmail.com or http://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater)