In the 2022 film, "About Us But Not About Us," written and directed by Jun Robles Lana, the third character was never seen. But in the stage adaptation opening Feb. 14, that absence takes physical form, with Epy Quizon and Andoy Ranay alternately stepping into the role of the once-invisible Marcus.
According to Tuxqs Rutaquio, who directs the film’s stage adaptation, “The restaurant is not simply a place of reunion but a volatile emotional chamber where two men are compelled to perform their truths about a third, absent presence: Marcus."
“While Marcus may be physically gone, his influence lingers with almost spectral weight. His memory does not unite but divides, interpreted and reinterpreted by Eric and Lance with shifting emotional agendas,” he added.
Director-actor Andoy Ranay. Eduard John Pulido
The two original actors from the film, Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas, return to reprise their roles as Eric and Lance, joined this time by the onstage presence of Marcus, Eric’s life partner, a writer who died by suicide.
As actors, Quizon and Ranay are no strangers to playing gay roles. When both were asked what particular gay role had made an impact on them, the former chose his role as Marcova in the film "Marcova: Comfort Gay," while the latter picked the character of Matt Desaparasidos, written by the late Floy Quintos in the play, "Shock Value."
This also isn’t the first time they worked together with director Rutaquio.
According to Ranay, he and Rutaquio were batchmates at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. They worked together as co-actors in the Filipino version of a Dulaang UP production of "LULU" in 2009.
Quizon, meanwhile, work with Rutaquio on a 2004 production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" for the Metropolitan Theater Manila, where Quizon played Puck and Rutaquio portrayed Flute.
“I appreciate him for when he gives his instructions — maiintindihan mo kung bakit. Easy to understand. Very clear with what he wants. We see eye-to-eye,” he said.
In separate interviews, both actors said they were excited to be invited to read for the role of Marcus.
“Oh my God, ilalabas na ‘yung character ba 'yan sa play? Sabi ko, 'Sure, sige, sige,'” recalled Ranay, who had the first reading via Zoom.
The second one was with Lana himself. “Kinabahan ako dahil, he’s the maker of the character,” he admitted.
Actor Epy Quizon. Eduard John Pulido
Both agreed that Marcus was unstable and emotionally weak.
“He’s a person with anxiety. He’s a man who’s in love with another guy. He’s got this anchor with his true love, Eric. When his anchor got shattered, the storm in his head emerged,” Quizon said.
Ranay saw in Marcus that no matter how talented he is, his life has no meaning without Eric.
“Marcus was a victim... of his own choices in life, his intellect. He couldn’t handle the truth that the love of his life is drifting away,” he said.
"About Us But Not About Us" runs from February 14 to March 8 at Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit, Makati City. Tickets are available here.