Red Turnip Theater Stages THIS IS OUR YOUTH, Now Thru 11/22

By Jared Echevarria

Manila, Philippines--THIS IS OUR YOUTH, a comedy by Kenneth Lonergan, features rich but problematic young adults--consumed by the society's latest fads-- "slacking" in Manhattan's Upper West Side in the early '80s. Produced by Red Turnip Theater, the play is directed by Topper Fabregas and stars Jef Flores as Dennis, Nicco Manalo as Warren, and Cindy Lopez as Jessica.

THIS IS OUR YOUTH seems casual and plotless, but never stagnant nor dragging. It is a kind of a period play that showcases the cleverness of the playwright with the aid of an ingenious stage direction and deep understanding of the characters that the actors portray.

THIS IS OUR YOUTH, as its official synopsis says, "follows three wayward young people as they navigate 1982 New York, recreating their broken homes in both their dysfunctional friendships and their bungled attempts at finding love. The play is a living snapshot of the moment when young people first find themselves on the threshold of adulthood--far more sophisticated than their parents realize, and far less effectual than they themselves can possibly imagine."

The actors' lines, which seem senseless when taken separately, come out naturally, without pretense and robust with emotional authenticity. As members of the audience, this is something we look forward to experiencing in a straightforward piece: its cunning ability to transcend its dialogues by creating an overarching message that may mean different things for different people.

Theatergoers are allowed to express themselves and have multiple opinions on how they understood the play.

But to those who grew up in the '80s, this play may give you a great opportunity to travel down memory lane and compare yourselves to the characters when you were still in your younger, restless years.

THIS IS OUR YOUTH premiered on Off-Broadway in 1996 and played the Cort Theatre on Broadway from August 18, 2014, through January 4, 2015.

In Manila, the play will run until November 22, 2015, at A Space, opposite Greenbelt 5, 110 Legaspi St. Makati City.

For tickets (P940.50), call TicketWorld at (632)891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Photo: Red Turnip Theater

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