‘Mind’s Eye’ to be restaged in September

MANILA, Philippines - The play Mind’s Eye will take its audience on an incredible journey once again on Sept. 6, 7 and 8 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Seasoned theater actresses Joy Virata and Jenny Jamora will reprise the roles of 88-year-old Elva and 16-year-old Courtney, respectively, the two main characters who go through the wonders of Italy despite their physical limitations.

Mind’s Eye, based on an award-winning novel of the same name, had its worldwide theatrical debut in the Philippines last year helmed by veteran stage director Jaime del Mundo.

“Reading books stretches our imagination. This play alludes to this marvel and hopes to inspire us to be more positive, open and caring. More importantly, it reminds us to constantly challenge our ideas,” says Joy Virata.

Mind’s Eye blends literature, poetry and the arts, bringing to life a heartwarming travel experience in rich detail. The story follows Elva and Courtney’s imaginary trip to Italy using their minds and a 1910 Baedeker travel guidebook. Using their imagination, they came to visit some of the greatest museums, art galleries, and architectural monuments in Italy.

The play narrates “the triumph of the creative imagination over a grim reality,” wrote National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose. “I recommend this play to devotees of the theater, our dedicated youth and old teachers and hacks like myself.”

Other powerhouse cast members include Caisa Borromeo and Red Concepcion, with the special participation of renowned theater actress Naty Crame Rogers. Lex Marcos and John Battalia lead set and lighting design, respectively.

The novel, written by award-winning children’s book author Paul Fleischman, received an American Library Association (ALA) award for Best Books for Young Adults. Fleischman was one of the five shortlisted authors for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award last year.

Mind’s Eye is presented by C. Virata Advisory and Gillian Joyce Virata and supported by Repertory Philippines Foundation Inc., Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Jinggo Montenejo, and TeamAsia. For information, visit facebook.com/MindsEyePlay or follow twitter.com/MindsEyePlay_PH. Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.