Unpacking the price of trust onstage
“Walong Libong Piso” is sexy, but behind the steamy setup lies a deeper, darker story.
Written and directed by Dante Balboa, the play is “a psychological unraveling that tests assumptions, questions morality, and leaves the audience asking: Who really got played?”
The plot follows an actor named Dante who agrees to a suspicious one-night arrangement in exchange for P8,000. What begins as a seemingly transactional encounter slowly morphs into something more unsettling and layered. A second character exists, but he’s never seen—only heard through a cellphone, adding to the tension and mystery.
The lead role is portrayed by four different actors—Paolo Gumabao, Jhon Mark Marcia, Juan Paolo Calma, and Drei Arias—each offering their own distinct interpretation. They don’t share the stage; instead, each performance will feature just one of them, making every show a unique experience.
Balboa assures that while the show is sensual and unflinching, it’s executed with care.
“My direction is very erotic, but tastefully done,” he said. “What lingers isn’t just the sensuality but the emotional impact, the moral questions, and the cast’s believable performances. Their talent will outweigh the physical appeal.”
Visual storytelling
He wanted to challenge how audiences engage with visual storytelling. “After we watch a movie, we often say, ‘It was action-packed’ or ‘It made me cry.’ But we should also look at the message within. That’s what I hope audiences notice—whether it’s in film, theater, or painting.”
The story is set in 2007, during the height of Friendster. Attempts to modernize the setting with newer platforms didn’t work, Balboa explained, as the now-defunct site holds symbolic significance in the narrative. The play also explores themes of trust, deception, and mental health—topics Balboa said remain taboo in everyday conversation.
“Let’s admit it. Sometimes, we’re capable of doing things in bed that we don’t realize aren’t normal for others. The play leaves you with psychological questions: Who was deceived, and who did the deceiving? Who took advantage of whom?”
Each actor approached the role with the goal of offering a distinct take. Gumabao said his biggest challenge was to make his version of the character stand out. “It would be boring if we all played the role the same way,” he told Lifestyle in a recent interview.
Calma focused on creating distance between the role and his own identity. “I want my portrayal to be nothing like who I am off the stage.”
Arias emphasized the importance of pacing and presence. “You have to find ways to avoid dead air during the performance. Every nuance matters. You have to play it in a way that keeps the audience captivated.”
For Marcia, the goal is simple but bold: “I want you to go home thinking about it. I want it to make you reflect.”
Theater magic
Each performance runs for about 90 minutes, with no alternates or backup characters. The challenge of sustaining the audience’s attention lies in the actor’s ability to make the monologue feel like a conversation. “Theater has a certain magic,” said Balboa. “The reaction is immediate. You hear the applause, you see the standing ovations. In film, there’s take two. In theater, there’s none of that—and that’s the thrill.”
Live performances also offer variety, Balboa added. “Each actor has a different nuance, a different rhythm. If you’ve seen one version, you might be curious to watch the others.”
For the actors, the transition from film to stage presents a new set of demands.
“On stage, you need to project your voice and movements so that everyone can see and hear you,” said Gumabao. “In film, the camera moves for you. In theater, it’s your job to make sure no one in the audience feels left out.”
Calma added that maximizing space onstage and maintaining vocal clarity takes practice. Arias, who holds a degree in theater arts, said live performances give him a different kind of creative freedom. “I feel more connected to the character. It’s more exciting to perform live.”
Marcia summed it up with a promise: “You’ll see a different side of me here. I want this to be a performance that leaves a mark.”
At first glance, “Walong Libong Piso” may seem like it’s all about physicality and provocation. But at its core, it’s a play that dares its audience to look deeper, to question their own boundaries and beliefs.
“This isn’t just a sexy play,” Balboa said. “When you leave the theater, I want you to be asking yourself difficult questions—and hopefully, walking away with some answers.”
Produced by BenTria Productions, “Walong Libong Piso” is a one-character stage play set to open this August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.
