14 LEANDRO ROAD is About Family Ties, Mental Illness

Manila, Philippines--Mental illness is just one of the diseases seldom talked about by the Filipino family; the reasons range from its unfamiliarity, mystery, and social prejudice--the last stands out the most. As most Filipino families regard personal life as truly "exclusive," to have such an illness within the household is concealed from the prying eyes of the society.

A new play that explores uncharted waters, 14 LEANDRO ROAD is a production that will bring the thrills at the same time spark the discussion on mental health problems. Based on the short story "The Fall of The House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe, this horror play is not all about the "macabre"; it lets the viewers imagine the story as if one is part of it and from there a true horror begins.

At its recent press preview, the production's set pieces were all simple, complemented with a minimal set design. The lights used were carefully chosen and mixed to set the tone of the play. It could be easily said that the production was heavily invested on the actors--their characters came out powerful yet not "over rehearsed." The script was instinctive and carefully worked out as well.

The trump card of this play is its central theme because its elements are very close to every Filipino: family ties and values, which are inseparable and seldom portrayed in a dark way. The whole production is a test case if the viewers have the ability to chew, churn themes that are riddled in mystery.

Another strength of the production is its take on mental disorders and conditions. However, the audiences' takeaway lessons would definitely exceed that.

14 LEANDRO ROAD is a must-see for its compelling and timely story.

Theater House of Black's 14 LEANDRO ROAD, devised by Jay Crisostomo IV and C.K. Bautista, is scheduled for six performances at Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati on October 7 and 8, 2016 (performances at 10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.)

For tickets, visit TicketWorld.com.ph.

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