Review: THE NORMAL HEART Beats Anew

By Jared Echevarria

Manila, Philippines--THE NORMAL HEART, a Tony Award-winning play based on real-life events and people, beats again for Manila for the second time this year.

THE NORMAL HEART made its Manila premiere last July at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, in Makati City.

The play, with its simple yet powerful lines, illustrated the issues of acceptance, equality and survival among gay men having the symptoms of HIV/AIDS in 1980's New York, during a time of social ignorance and apathy. It conveys the reality that is still misunderstood up to this day due to its delicate socio-political position and highlights the society's homophobic tendencies that eat up the very nature of true masculinity. It is a timely production that directly informs the audience about an on-going movement and motivates them to be part of the reform.

The actors' portrayals of the characters are pulsating and ostensibly natural. This in turn, facilitates a strong connection to its viewers, providing an avenue of empathy that trickles down to consciousness and eventually action to support pressing issues revolving around sexually-transmitted diseases.

The plot in itself is very simple, and is easily relatable to other challenges in life. The play is a definite window to see oneself both as an agent for a higher cause and a victim of one's frustrations and guilt. This is a theatrical piece, which as the title suggests, a "normal heart," that beats not only for the self but also for other(s). It is a drama-play that starts out with something to look forward to and ends up serenely, melancholic.

The play premiered at the Public Theater (Off-Broadway) in New York and had since enjoyed several reruns, revivals and recently a television film version produced by HBO Films (2014).

Taking place between 1981 and 1984, THE NORMAL HEART tells the incredible true story of the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Ned Weeks, the playwright Larry Kramer's autobiographical protagonist, is labeled radical, extreme, prudish and self hating by both friends and enemies alike. But when a mysterious virus, then coined 'gay cancer,' begins rapidly taking the lives of young men, this opinionated, unyielding and impassioned gay activist finds himself racing the clock for funding, research and recognition. (BWW)

Brought once again to Manila by Actor's Actors Inc./The Necessary Theatre, THE NORMAL HEART runs until Sunday, October 11, at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium.

THE NORMAL HEART stars Bart Guingona (Ned Weeks), Richard Cunanan (Ben Weeks), Topper Fabregas (Felix), TJ Trinidad (Bruce), Roselyn Perez (Emma), Red Concepcion (Tommy), Nor Domingo (Mickey), and Jef Flores (Craig, Grady).

For tickets (P521-P1,563), visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Photo: Vladimeir Gonzales

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