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‘Suicide, Inc.’ aims to spur Pinoys to open up about depression, suicide


The cast of 'Suicide, Inc.' Photo: Twin Bill Theater
 

 

The daring theater group Twin Bill Theater mounts “Suicide, Inc.,” a play tackling sensitive, if not taboo, issues to encourage more people to talk about mental health.

Founding artistic director Francis G. Matheu said the production is Twin Bill’s contribution to the health sector’s effort to get more Filipinos to be more open and honest in discussing mental health concerns such as depression, suicidal tendencies, and suicide itself.

“Suicide, Inc.” is a 2010 tragicomedy by celebrated off-Broadway playwright Andrew Hinderaker. The plot revolves around Legacy Letters, a company that makes money by drafting or editing suicide notes and the employees working in the firm.

“The company CEO speaks, in an advertiser’s tongue, about cornering the market by targeting those suicide victims least likely to leave notes: men. It turns out all these men are emotional mice when it comes to discussing matters of the self,” Matheu said.

Play director Steven Conde was himself diagnosed with clinical depression eight years ago.

“Before the diagnosis, I had to run to different doctors because I felt like I was dying I felt like a little candle slowly being blown out. I could not get up from bed. I did not feel motivated—until somebody referred me to a psychiatrist,” he said.

“This year, I have decided to make public what I have been going through. It is not an easy road, but I am surviving and winning against the black dog that has been barking so loudly at me.”

Conde added that despite its title, “Suicide, Inc.” is not just about suicide. “It talks about how one can break through the barriers of silence and apathy. We have to take action. We need to talk. We need to communicate,” he said.

Twin Bill Theater assembled six actors from different theater backgrounds to essay the roles in this dark comedy exploring the perils of depression and coping with loss, guilt, and redemption.

Hans Eckstein plays Jason, Legacy Letters' newest hire. Jeremy Domingo is Scott, the company's owner and CEO. Bibo Reyes is Tommy, Jason's younger brother who, much like Jason, has some secrets of his own. Mako Alonso and George Schulze alternate as Norm, Jason's first client; and Chino Veguillas is Perry, Scott's ever-loyal employee and the office kiss-ass.

Twin Bill Theater hopes to produce and promote shows that explore and challenge issues affecting contemporary society.

“[We are] focused on make quality and thought-provoking productions more accessible to the non-theater going public,” said Twin Bill Theater member Joseph Matheu. — BM, GMA News

Twin Bill Theater’s production of "Suicide, Inc." runs from July 15-17, July 22-24, and July 29-31 at the Performing Arts and Recreation Center, 494 Lt. Artiaga Street, San Juan.

 Advisory: Recommended for ages 15 and above due to strong language and sexual references. Running time: 1 hour and 20 minutes with no intermission.

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