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5 reasons to catch Red Turnip's 'Time Stands Still'

The play runs until March 8 at White Space, Pasong Tamo, Makati

"What are you here for?"

This thought-provoking question posed by "Time Stands Still" struck this writer as we waited to watch the play by Donald Margulies, directed by Rem Zamora, and starring Ana Abad Santos, Nonie Buencamino, Nor Domingo, and Giannina Ocampo.

As with other productions presented by Red Turnip theater this season — like "Cock" and "Rabbit Hole" — we went inside the venue with no expectation, no judgement. We were there to take in what Rem and his team prepared for us and, as usual, we came out far from disappointed. Teary eyed, even.

"Time Stands Still" has six more shows in White Space, Pasong Tamo, Makati:

  • March 1, Sunday, 4pm

  • March 6, Friday, 9pm

  • March 7, Saturday, 4pm and 8pm

  • March 8, Sunday, 4pm and 8pm

Here are five simple reasons why you shouldn't miss it:

1. Author Donald Margulies is a Pulitzer Prize winner. He won the award in 2000 for the play "Dinner with Friends" which — similar to "Time Stands Still" — is about how relationships and expectations "change over time," according to an interview with the author by the blog moreintelligentlife.com.

"Time Stands Still" is a 2009 Pulitzer Prize nominee for Drama. It also received two Tony nominations: Best Play and Best Performance by a Leading Actress for Laura Linney.

2. It is a straight play that goes straight to the heart and to the point. No frills, no delays: the moment Ana Abad Santos (Sarah) and Nonie Buencamino (James) enter the stage, the tension is palpable; something anyone who has ever been in a relationship that failed (or succeeded) would know.

How their characters evolve and unravel throughout the story is beautiful. The characters of Nor Domingo (Richard) and Giannina Ocampo (Mandy) help enhance and push these out.

3. It is a love story, and one that's realistic (trust me, you'd be watching and thinking, "I"ve been there."). "Time Stands Still" is the story of Sarah, a photojournalist who must return home with her journalist boyfriend James after sustaining injuries from war-torn Middle East. Back home, they negotiate a more ordinary life, far from the thrills of a battleground.

Do they make it? Watch and find out. Bring tissue!

4. The cast is stellar. Red Turnip founder Ana Abad Santos is an Aliw Award Winner for her role in “Mary Stuart.” She graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and has crossed over to film and television work, most recently in the BAFTA-nominated “Metro Manila.”

Many are familiar with Nonie Buencamino appearing on television and film, but we must see how intensely and powerfully he conquers the stage. He was last seen in Cinemalaya’s “Dagitab” and “K’na the Dreamweaver,” and as the King in Resorts World Manila’s “The King and I.”

5. Director Rem Zamora has a clear understanding of what the play is about, which translates beautifully onstage. "Not many people get to live it out, let alone identify with what they are passionate about," Rem writes in his Director's Notes. "Those that do, more often than not, have to make sacrifices at the expense of financial gain or even their own personal lives."

"The choices we make for the pursuit of our passions are not always easy, but we have to make them anyway."

"Time Stands Still" is the story of all of us. It is for those who seek clarity, who yearn to walk their path, who are afraid to make a leap of faith, who are hungry to set their soul free.

'Time Stands Still' signals the close of Red Turnip's second season
'Time Stands Still' signals the close of Red Turnip's second season

Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph or at Whitespace before the show.