Cebu production of 'kiss of the spider woman' to be staged Dec. 6

“Kiss of the Spider Woman” the stage play is an adaptation of Argentinean playwright and screenwriter Manuel Puig’s novel of the same title.

“Kiss of the Spider Woman” is an intricate and powerful portrayal of two men who are forced to share a cell in a Latin American jail. One, Valentin, is a young Marxist rebel punished for his ideals. The other, Molina, a romantic fantasist. Through the glamorous world of the movies, an unlikely relationship is formed, offering both men the hope of survival.

Valentin Arrequi Paz is a political prisoner while Luis Alberto Molina was accused of statutory rape. Molina passes the time by recounting memories from one of his favorite films, a decadent classic, Sunset Boulevard. He weaves the characters into a narrative meant to comfort Valentin and distract him from the harsh realities of political imprisonment and the separation from the woman he cares about.  

Valentin allows Molina to penetrate some of his defensive self and opens up. A friendship develops between the dreamer and the political activist.  

However, as the story develops, it’s clear that Valentin is being poisoned by his jailers to force him to reveal what he knows. Molina, it seems, may also have ulterior motives, together with the Warden.  

The story features a “movie within a play,” featuring Luis Alberta Molina episodically telling Valentin the plot of his favorite movie. Unlike most such internal presentations, it doesn’t matter how the “movie within the play” ends; the plot is what happens to the prisoners—in what could only be described as an ironic reversal of roles. 

“Kiss of the Spider Woman” first debuted as a stage play in London, then followed by a film adaptation and Broadway musical.

A Cebu production of Kiss of the Spider Woman will take place this December 6 at the CAP Art Center with matinee performances at 1pm and 4pm. Gala performance will be at 7pm.

Cast includes writer-performing artist Rycky Pilapil in his first leading stage role as Luis Molina. Pilapil is a member of the Cebu Ballet Center and is a nephew of acting stalwart, Ms. Pilar Pilapil. He has acted before in the ABS-CBN Visayan TV series titled “Kapalaran” as well as in several Shakespearean plays after undergoing theater workshops at the Arizona State University.

Alternating with Pilapil as Luis Molina is Eugene Ramirez. A college teacher at the University of San Carlos, Ramirez has several major acting stints in local theater projects to his credit.

Playing Valentin Paz are Lester Cawayan and Von Cruz. Cawayan, a professional events entertainer, is dubbed one of the freshest faces in the local theater scene. He has acted in such productions mounted by Crystal Cavalier Productions as M. Butterfly at the Waterfront Lahug and The Wizard of Oz. 

Cruz, who works in one of the coutry’s largest service providers, has rugged features that make an ideal portrait of Valentin. He dedicates his performance to his wife, Glenna.

Completing the cast is Joe Galleon as “The Warden.” Galleon has first made a name for himself in the Philippine dance society, having trained the likes of the Aldeguer sisters, the country’s most popular dancing duo of the 70s. Galleon is also a Hall of Famer in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. A teacher by profession at the University of the Visayas, Galleon has starred in and directed a number of notable Cebuano theater productions such as Nick Joaquin’s “Summer Solstice”.

For inquiries, tickets and reservations, please contact 0915-966-7316 or email [email protected].