5 reasons why 'Under My Skin,' PETA's play about HIV and AIDS, is a must-watch
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) will stage a play titled Under My Skin as its 52nd Theater Season finale. It will run from February 7 until March 22, 2020, Fridays to Sundays, at the PETA Theater Center.
The theatrical production is part of the Acting on HIV campaign, launched by PETA and its partner advocacy organizations UNAIDS, The Red Whistle, and LoveYourself.
Under My Skin is written by Rody Vera and directed by Melvin Lee. It is an anthology drama about stories of Filipinos living with HIV, and will revolve around the lead character, Dr. Gemma Almonte, played by award-winning actress Cherry Pie Picache.
During the press launch, the actors, director, representatives of PETA, and its partner organizations talked in length about what the play is all about, what it aims to achieve, and how -- together with other components of the Acting on HIV campaign -- it plans to spread more awareness and hopefully curb the rising numbers of HIV infections in the Philippines.
So if you're having second thoughts about watching it, then read on, because we've listed down five reasons why you should.
1. It is timely and relevant.
The Philippines now has the fastest-growing number of confirmed HIV infections in the whole world.
According to the Department of Health, as of 2019, there's an average of 38 new cases of HIV infection every day.
“We have 1,111 new cases of HIV infection as of July 2019 -- not including the unconfirmed infections and those who do self-testing. And since 1984, there have been almost 70,000 reported cases of HIV in the Philippines,” says Ben Bernabe, President of The Red Whistle organization.
2. It is both entertaining and educational.
Director Melvin Lee explains, “Dine-demystify ng Under My Skin 'yung mga pre-conceived notions tulad ng kapag sinabing HIV sasabihin 'ah sakit ng bakla.'
“'Yung play na ito, just like what we did with Night Mother to tackle mental health, we will use it as a platform to discuss not just HIV and AIDS, but also sexuality, sex, etc.”
Lead actress Cherry Pie Picache also adds, “Ngayon sinasabi nila bawal nang mamatay sa HIV, kasi available na ang medication. So we would like to inform everybody about HIV. Marami pa kaming ibang information na masasabi all throughout the play.”
3. There are talkback sessions after the play.
PETA Artistic Director Maribel Legarda reveals, “After every show, our actors and director, specialists from the field, and representatives from our partner organizations will be sitting down with the audience to really discuss the subject matter.”
4. Free HIV screenings are available during each show.
“During the shows, we will also have free HIV screenings, in partnership with LoveYourself,” says Legarda.
5. By watching it, you're also doing your share in HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention.
UNAIDS country director Dr. Louie Ocampo shares an inspiring message about the role of communities in HIV response.
He says, “The only way to end the HIV epidemic in the country is for us to get our acts together and work together for a collective action. HIV can destroy the body's immunity, but not the spirit of the community.”
Under My Skin actor Gio Gahol stresses that being part of the play also means that they are part of the whole creative advocacy campaign.
He declares, “This is our contribution. This is PETA's contribution. This is us as advocates. We are #ActingOnHIV.”
So if you do watch the play Under My Skin, then you'll also be participating in the Acting on HIV advocacy campaign. You won't only be a spectator; you'll be an active participant as well.