Photo Coverage: First Look at STOP KISS; Show Runs Now Thru 7/21

Manila, Philippines--In their new production of Diana Son's 1998 Off-Broadway play "Stop Kiss," theatrical producers Positive Space, MusicArtes, and New Voice Company (NVC) are encouraging Filipino theatergoers to take a stand against discrimination and celebrate love, in whatever form.

First staged in the Philippines by NVC in 2003, "Stop Kiss" follows how traffic reporter Callie, originally played by Red Turnip Theater's Jenny Jamora, and elementary schoolteacher Sara, originally played by Ateneo Blue Repertory's Missy Maramara, form an unlikely friendship in New York City. This time, however, these esteemed actresses are switching roles: Jamora now plays Sara; Maramara, Callie.

Told in a non-linear fashion, "Stop Kiss" explores human relationships, cultures, and romance, and how lives can change forever after a violent attack.

Lending support to the leads are Tarek El Tayech as George; Gabe Mercado as Peter, Sara's ex-boyfriend; Robbie Guevara as Detective Cole; Jay Valencia-Glorioso as Mrs. Winsley, the lone witness to the hate crime, and J-mee Katanyag as Sara's nurse.

"'Stop Kiss' is an empowering piece for women, especially women who fall in love with other women," said Jamora at a recent press conference, where Maramara added, "Love is love is love. It's not [about] gender necessarily; it's [also] not supposed to limit you."

"Stop Kiss" is directed by Aliw Award-winning director-designer Ed Lacson Jr., who is also the scenic designer of the show. Teresa Barrozo is sound designer; Tata Tuviera, costume designer, and Makeup Science Asia, makeup designer.

The show runs at Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati from July 12 until July 21.

Get tickets (P1,000 to P2,000) via Ticket2Me.net.

Photos: Oliver Oliveros

Jenny Jamora, Missy Maramara

Tarek El Tayech

Robbie Guevara, Missy Maramara

Jenny Jamora, Missy Maramara

Jenny Jamora, Missy Maramara

Jenny Jamora, Missy Maramara

Missy Maramara

Jay Valencia-Glorioso

Missy Maramara

Jenny Jamora, Missy Maramara

Jenny Jamora, Gabe Mercado

Missy Maramara

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