As part of its junior theater literacy program (JTLP), Artistang Artlets mounted the play titled “Okatokat” at the Audio Visual Room of Tan Yan Kee Building on March 7.
Communication junior Rio Arguelles, writer of “Okatokat,” explored themes of grief and memory during the 55-minute production.
The play centers on Dina, a character whose outward strength collapses when her deceased friend, Angelo, returns after an accident that occurred while performing a ritual.
Arguelles took her time in developing Dina and her friendship with Angelo, played by Bryan Arcangel and Jed Tan Conoza, lending the material the gravitas it deserved once Angelo appeared at the halfway mark.
The play reminisces on the what-ifs. “Okatokat” understands the quiet devastation of mourning, yet also the affirming power of acceptance.
Dina, played alternately by Reisha Heart Ragaza and Cyrille Ramos, shifts from exhaustion to surprise with relative ease. As a result, Dina’s journey through the five stages of grief felt believable.
The direction of communication junior J-Rhic Tanghal made “Okatokat” a relatively light watch due to its emphasis on comedy. However, the comedy proved distracting from the material’s thematic heft.
Nonetheless, Tanghal shows restraint when the material called for it.
“Okatokat” conveys loss as an arduous endeavor, but also something necessary for growth. It succeeded in reminding its audience to seize the moment, since the future cannot be predicted. David Nigel C. Cortes
