Choosing Love and Identity on Stage
The critically acclaimed production, Choosing: A Stage Play, is returning for a limited run at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University from June 6 to 15. Produced by Fire and Ice LIVE!, a leading Filipino theater company, this two-person drama, written by Liza Diño-Seguerra, explores profound themes of love, identity, and the defining choices we make in life.
The play’s powerful narrative and intimate presentation have resonated with audiences since its successful debut earlier this year. It offers a bold and heartfelt exploration of relationships and self-discovery, inviting viewers to reflect deeply on acceptance and communication.
Open Communication Strengthens Relationships
Both lead actors, Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño-Seguerra, shared their insights on the importance of openness in nurturing love. They emphasized that the play highlights how love grows stronger when partners communicate honestly about their feelings and experiences.
“Second time doing this, more than the obvious topics na pinapakita dito, but at some point in our lives, with the relationships that we have, at the time when people get offended easily, malaki rin ang pakinabang na marunong tayo makipag-usap,” Ice explained during a recent press event in Quezon City.
He added, “Minsan nakakalimutan natin ang makipag-usap at harapin kung ano yung problema. I realized na matagal na rin ang relasyon namin ni Liza and after all these years, we’re still the same. Lahat ng mga bagay na pinagdaraanan namin, big or small, pinag-uusapan namin.”
Ice also noted the value of listening: “Sometimes we discuss what’s on our minds and forget to listen to the other side as well. Lahat naman kasi tayo may pinanggalingan na katotohanan. There is power when communicating.”
Liza underscored the play’s message about overcoming hardships in love. “A lot of people are saying na matagal na kami ni Ice. People say na tanggap na kami ng tao. I hope this play will help people realize na marami rin kaming pinagdaraanan na struggles and hardships.”
She continued, “Hindi siya madali. When we had our run last year, people identified themselves with the character. We can inspire as they see themselves in us. Malalaman nila na that they are not alone. The play is about choosing to love despite everything and embracing love despite the transformation.”
The Story Behind Choosing: A Stage Play
Choosing is an intimate theatrical piece inspired by the real-life journey of its lead performers, who are a married couple offstage. The storyline follows Stella, a cisgender woman, and Mitch, a transgender man, as they revisit key moments that shaped their identities and relationship.
The play bravely addresses themes such as gender identity, trauma, healing, and the challenges that come with personal and relational transformation. Through candid monologues and dialogues, Stella and Mitch confront difficult subjects including sexual abuse, consent, and rebuilding trust.
Ultimately, the narrative reveals how the choices we make define our path toward joy and authenticity. Its core message—”we are the choices we make”—has deeply connected with audiences who see their own struggles reflected on stage.
2025 Rerun Promises Fresh Perspectives
For this upcoming rerun, the production team aims to retain the raw emotional power of the original while introducing subtle enhancements. The returning director, Dr. Anton Juan, continues to guide the play’s sharp storytelling and emotional depth.
The musical score, composed by Vincent A. De Jesus, enriches the narrative with evocative soundscapes that draw the audience closer into the characters’ inner worlds. The intimate Black Box setting further amplifies the play’s immersive quality.
Ice Seguerra, also serving as co-producer, shared, “This rerun is our way of responding to the overwhelming support for Choosing. The conversations that started after our first staging continued long after the final curtain call. We knew we had to bring it back—for those who missed it and for those who want to experience it again with fresh eyes.”
Coinciding with Pride Month, this limited engagement offers a timely celebration of LGBTQ+ stories, self-acceptance, and the power of choosing love.
Show Details and Tickets
Choosing: A Stage Play will run for two weekends at the Doreen Black Box Theater in Quezon City from June 6 to 15. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are available through official channels.
For more news and updates on Choosing: A Stage Play, visit Filipinokami.com.