How can a theater company help raise mental health awareness by staging a play that tackles the theme of depression, suicidal tendencies and suicide itself?
Catch Twin Bill Theater’s production of ‘Suicide Incorporated’, which aims to shed light and raise awareness on mental health issues to its audiences.
The 2010 tragicomedy by off- Broadway playwright Andrew Hinderaker, the play centers around a company that makes money by drafting suicide notes. The business is Hallmark-gone-Wall-Street, turning a profit by bullishly pushing its clients to perform the unspeakable. The CEO speaks, in an advertiser’s tongue, about cornering the market by targeting those suicide victims least likely to leave notes: Men. It turns out all these men are emotional mice when it comes to discussing matters of the self.
‘Suicide Incorporated’ will be directed by Steven Conde.
Six topnotch actors coming from different theater backgrounds bonded together to essay the pivotal roles in this dark comedy exploring the perils of depression, coping with loss, guilt and redemption. Hans Eckstein will play the role of Jason, the newest hire of Legacy Letters, a company that prides itself in doing just that. He has an impressive back catalog of birthday cards. Jeremy Domingo will play Scott, the CEO and owner of Legacy Letters. Bibo Reyes will play the role of Tommy, Jason’s younger brother who, much like Jason, has some secrets of his own. Mako Alonso and George Schulze will alternately play the role of Norm, Jason’s first client. And Chino Veguillas will play the role of Perry, Scott’s ever loyal employee and the office kiss-ass.
Produced by Twin Bill Theater, the company aims to produce shows that explore and challenge issues faced by today’s society. As its first official play for their first season, the founders led by theater professionals Joseph and Francis Matheu also noted that their goals are also focused on stirring up the public’s interest to rediscover, love and preserve the historical, cultural and spiritual values through theater; and to make quality, thought-provoking productions more accessible to the non-theater going public.
The artistic team of ‘Suicide Incorporated’ includes: Steven Conde (Director), Ed Lacson (Set Design), Jay Pangilinan (Sound Design), and Joseph Matheu (Lighting Design).
The production team includes: Francis Matheu (Production Manager), Leoren Violan (Stage Manager and Graphic Design), Toots Tolentino (Publicity), Juliene Mendoza (Photography), and Kathleen Francisco (Marketing).
‘Suicide Incorporated’ is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts inc. (www.playscripts.com). ‘Suicide Incorporated will run until July 31 at the P.A.R.C (Performing Arts and Recreation Center), 494 Lt. Artiaga Street, San Juan, Metro Manila.
Get tickets at https://goo.gl/bwsLkF, or call 0927-460-4652 or 0916-775-9374.
