A ONE-ACT play by a UST student is set to be staged by the Virgin Labfest (VLF) in June 2023, one of the 12 shortlisted for the 18th installment of the annual festival.
“Hukay,” a one-act play by senior creative writing student Ophalain Margaux Serrano, was chosen to be workshopped by the VLF among 146 entries in 2022.
Serrano said the story is about a policeman and a farmer, both middle-aged men, who meet weekly at the latter’s farm to drink. One Friday, a grave suddenly becomes involved in the story.
“Hanggang friendship nga lang ba talaga sila?” Serrano teased.
Serrano said she took inspiration from “Boys’ Love” (BL) stories.
“Parang narealize ko na bakit puro young characters? Tapos nairita ako na, you know, older people deserve love stories too. They have love stories to tell, and I think we should write more about them because love is not just for the young,” Serrano explained to the Varsitarian.
The author said representation was important not just in reality but also in stories.
“When we talk about love stories, we always think about Romeo and Juliet. But, like, hey, there are other people who can fall in love, hindi lang sila Romeo and Juliet. Meron pang iba dyan,” she said.
The other works chosen for the 18th VLF were:
- “Hawaii, Here We Come” – Shenn Apilado
- “Room 209” – Zheg Arban
- “O” – Raymund Barcelon
- “Tuloy ang Palabas” – Layeta Bucoy
- “Sunod sa Bilang” – Eljay Deldoc
- “Ang Awit ng Dalagang Marmol” – Andrew Estacio
- “Ang Tuyom” – Marjay Manalastas
- “10 to Midnight” – Julienne Mendoza
- “Dominador Gonzales National Artist” – Dingdong Novenario
- “O’Donnell” – Jerry O’Hara
- “Mga Halimaw Din Kami” – Jules Pamisa
Each adaption of the plays usually runs for 15 to 20 minutes. Details about the tickets and venues have yet to be announced.
Established in 2005, the Virgin Labfest mentors young playwrights before their plays are staged.
