Lipstick on a Pig: The Absurdity of Manila's “Theatre Revolution”
TL;DR:
Manila's so-called “theatre revolution” is a sham, a grotesque attempt to paint over the cracks of a broken system with makeup and glitter. It's high time we expose the lipstick on this proverbial pig and expose the sorry state of theatre in the Philippine capital.
The Makeup Artist's Mirage
Manila's theatre scene has been hailed as a beacon of hope, a shining star in the darkness of the city's cultural wasteland. But dig beneath the surface, and you'll find a hollow shell, an illusion created by a few savvy marketers.
The Cracks in the Act
Behind the flashy lights and overpriced tickets, Manila's theatre scene is riddled with problems:
- Lack of Original Content: Most productions are cheap knock-offs of international hits, serving up reheated platters of Broadway leftovers.
- Amateur Performers: Many actors lack training and experience, resulting in cringe-worthy performances that would make a community college drama club blush.
- Exorbitant Ticket Prices: Tickets are priced out of reach for the average Filipino, catering to a select few who can afford to play dress-up and pretend to be cultured.
The Glossy Cover-Up
To hide these flaws, Manila's theatre scene resorts to a thick layer of makeup:
- Celebrity Endorsements: Big-name stars are paraded on stage for the sole purpose of boosting sales, regardless of their acting ability.
- Lavish Set Design: Money is poured into extravagant sets and costumes to distract from the subpar performances.
- Sycophantic Critics: Critics are often afraid to voice their honest opinions, lest they incur the wrath of the theatre establishment.
The Ugly Truth Beneath
But no amount of lipstick can conceal the ugly truth that Manila's theatre scene is a sham:
- Artistic Stagnation: The obsession with commercial success has stifled creativity, resulting in a monotonous cycle of unoriginal productions.
- Lack of Cultural Impact: These vapid productions have little to no impact on Filipino society, offering no insights or cultural commentary.
- Disconnection from the Community: Manila's theatre scene operates in an ivory tower, isolated from the lives and struggles of ordinary Filipinos.
The Lipstick's Lasting Stain
The lipstick on this proverbial pig is not just a temporary fix; it has permanently stained the reputation of Manila's theatre scene.
- Diminished Trust: Audiences have lost faith in the quality and value of Manila's theatre offerings.
- Artistic Disillusionment: Aspiring actors and creatives are discouraged by the lack of genuine opportunities.
- Cultural Decay: The decline of theatre as a vital art form contributes to the overall cultural decay of the city.
If You Know, You Know…
Why did the Manila theatre scene need to pawn its best set piece?
Because it couldn't make its mortgage payments on its lipstick loan!
Expansive Summary
Manila's “theatre revolution” is nothing but a carefully crafted illusion, a sham propped up by celebrity endorsements, exorbitant ticket prices, and glossy cover-ups. Beneath the superficial glamour lies a broken and hollow system that lacks original content, artistic integrity, and cultural significance. It's high time we call out the lipstick on this proverbial pig and demand a genuine theatre scene that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the Filipino people. Until then, the theatre in Manila remains a monument to artifice and the enduring power of delusion.
