Stage production tackles effects of trauma, abuse and toxic masculinity

A play by Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature recipient Dustin Celestino, Fermata, delves into themes of trauma, abuse and toxic masculinity through the lens of Generation X, those born from 1965 to 1980.

The production, which runs up to an hour, follows decorated music composer Ben (Jack Denzel), who was approached by a media outlet to write an article as tribute to his late father — a prominent jazz icon. In an attempt to uncover the truth of his patriarch’s dark past, he reconnects with Alex (Philip Emilio Macabantad), his childhood friend and the old man’s former student.

Fermata, which fosters empathy between generations, identifies the various ways Gen X men respond and cope to the life-changing effects of abuse. It likewise studies the nature of avoiding confrontation for a good cause. It touches on the stances and consequences of unhealthy parenting, and explores the challenges of loving a person despite their shortcomings and mistakes.

Fermata is the debut production of WID(e)YE Collective, a newly-founded group of young artists from the Theater Arts Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Arts, Culture, and Performance.

Driven by their advocacy to draw a sense of awareness and acknowledgment of humanity’s passiveness, the students hope the play will help examine the significant effect of generational gaps in perspective and differences on important issues.

“Fermata speaks volumes for the painful yet blatant behavior we are used to, leaving us in an unrecognizable and unfinished form of healing,” the team explained.

“It is an attempt for the younger generation to understand the side and psychology of Gen X — how they were raised and how they were trained to be passive with mental health,” filmmaker, composer and educator Celestino stated.

“This is not a battle of sexes and generations — it is for us to listen and hear them out,” he added.

Fermata is directed by actress and theater practitioner Edith Garcia and co-directed by character performer Coleen Aldana, both homegrown talents from the college’s Theater Arts Program.

WID(e)YE Collective is under the guidance of Theater Arts Program faculty and Production Management adviser Glen Dominic Alarcon.

Fermata will premiere on 4 April at 6 p.m. It will likewise be staged on 5 and 12 April at 1 p.m. For those who wish to watch on weekdays, it will be staged on 7, 8, 10, and 11 April with 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. schedules. All shows will be held at the sixth-floor Black Box Theater, Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila. Tickets are priced at P320 for Benildeans and P350 for regulars. Discounts for persons with disabilities and senior citizens are likewise available. The gala, the culminating show on 11 April at 6 p.m., is priced at P500. For updates, visit facebook.com/wideye.collective.