'Fermata' explores toxic masculinity, trauma and abuse this April

Fermata, a play by Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awardee Dustin Celestino, delves of the themes of trauma, abuse, and toxic masculinity through the lens of Generation X - those born from 1965 to 1980.

Dustin Celestino

The piece, which runs up to an hour, follows decorated music composer Ben (Jack Denzel), who was approached by a media outlet to write an article as a tribute to his late father - a prominent jazz icon.

Jack Denzel as Ben

In an attempt to uncover the truth of his patriarch's dark past, he reconnects with Alex (Philip Emilio Macabantad), his childhood friend and the old man's former student.

Philip Emilio Macabantad as Alex

Fermata, which fosters empathy between generations, identifies the various ways Gen X men respond and cope with the life-changing effects of abuse.

It likewise studies the nature of avoiding confrontation for a good cause. It touches on the stances and consequences of unhealthy parenting and explores the challenges of loving a person despite their shortcomings and mistakes.

Fermata is the debut production of WID(e)YE Collective, a newly-founded group of young artists from the Theater Arts Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP).

Driven by their advocacy to draw a sense of awareness and acknowledgment of humanity's passiveness, the students hope the play will help examine the significant effect of generational gaps in perspective and differences on important issues.

“Fermata speaks volumes for the painful yet blatant behavior we are used to, leaving us in an unrecognizable and unfinished form of healing,” the team explained.

“It is an attempt for the younger generation to understand the side and psychology of Gen X - how they were raised and how they were trained to be passive with mental health,” filmmaker, composer, and educator Celestino stated.

“This is not a battle of sexes and generations - it is for us to listen and hear them out,” he added.

Fermata is directed by actress and theater practitioner Edith Garcia and co-directed by character performer Coleen Aldana - both homegrown talents from the college's Theater Arts Program.

Edith Garcia and Coleen Aldana

WID(e)YE Collective is under the guidance of Theater Arts Program faculty and Production Management adviser Glen Dominic Alarcon.

Fermata will premiere on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. It will likewise be staged on Saturdays, April 5 and 12, 2025, with shows at 1 p.m.

For those who wish to visit on weekdays, it will be on view from Monday through Friday excluding Wednesday, April 7, 8, 10, and 11, 2025, with 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. schedules.

All shows will be held at the 6F Black Box, Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.

Tickets are priced at P320 for Benildeans and P350 for regulars. Discounts for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens are likewise available.

The Gala, the culminating show on April 11 at 6 p.m., is priced at P500.

For updates, visit facebook.com/wideye.collective.