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“Live AIDS” or "Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM" is back and it promises shows filled with laughter and witty takes without sacrificing the goal of making an important statement and expressing free thought.
“Live AIDS” is produced by the University of the Philippines' Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon (UP SAMASKOM). This year’s “Live AIDS: A Laugh Story” will be the 35th edition of the famed comedy theater show and is also a celebration of UP SAMASKOM’s 50th anniversary.
At the show’s press conference on Friday, show director and UP SAMASKOM alumnus John Kenneth De Leon said that “Live AIDS” humor will be “reverent, clever, and is grounded on truth and empathy” and will present a show that is a critique of society.
“In fact, we are in the process of informing people, giving them some points to think about in a way that is funny,” De Leon said. “For me, ang ‘Live AIDS’ is more than just a show, and in a way, it’s a platform for free and creative expression.”
De Leon noted that there are never-ending news items, stories, and content in this day and age. These have led to a communication crisis as these have become difficult to absorb and to filter through. With this, one of the themes they want to highlight is fake news.
“Hindi naman kaila sa atin na laganap pa rin ang mga fake news or misleading news,” he said.
“And in a way, that is also something that we want to highlight. Na okay sige, ang dami-daming kwento, ang dami-daming stories diyan. Makikisawsaw, ika nga, ang ‘Live AIDS’ at magbibigay din kami ng sarili naming bersyon ng katotohanang nagpapalaya at magpapalaya sa bayan."
KaladKaren, or Jervi Wrightson, added that presenting societal issues in the show in a comedic way will be relatable to the audience as their production is “grounded by the truth.”
“Kapag meron kang katotohanan, kahit ano pang medium mo, it will always be the truth. Whether it’s serious or comedy, totoo pa rin siya eh kasi hindi ka naman nagsisinungaling, pinresenta mo lang siya in a different way,” the broadcaster, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and “Live AIDS: A Laugh Story” performer said.
“And I think that’s what makes ‘Live AIDS’ unique, dahil may katotohanan, relevance, and at the end of the day, may fun. Diba ‘yun naman ang gusto natin eh,” she added. “Hindi na tayo dapat parang magpaalipin pa sa mga misinformation na ito tapos mabigat pa na darating sa atin. So it’s nice to, you know, have these information—factual information in a fun and comedic way.”
Drag artist and show performer Mrs. Tan added that it is great to have a production made up of people from different generations. This way, discussions and fact-checking happen across SAMASKOM members and alumni of various ages.
De Leon also said that “Live AIDS” will tell today’s stories in one show. “Kapag nakita niyo kung ano ‘yung mga headline, malamang, nasa ‘Live AIDS’ ‘yan.”
According to KaladKaren, "Live AIDS: A Laugh Story" will be held in May during the election season.
“Kasi, dito may pinaka maraming issue. Dito may pinakamarami tayong pwedeng pag-usapan, at napakaraming impormasyon na pwede nating malaman. So it’s very timely,” she said. “Kasi after election, syempre may mga naihalal na, paano na natin sila maki-criticize. Parang wala nang kwenta ‘yung mga chika natin kung nakaupo na sila.
KaladKaren teased her character in the show as, “Okay na ‘to. Kasi in all aspects, okay na ‘to eh. Okay ‘yung palabas, ‘yung samahan, ‘yung celebration.”
She also invited everybody to watch “nang ma-realize niyo kung sino ba ang dapat niyong iboto.”
Mrs. Tan, for her part, quipped that her character is, “Ganda lang. Biswal lang lagi diba, ganon.”
She also emphasized that “Live AIDS” is consistently making its audiences reflect.
“Consistent ang ‘Live AIDS’ sa pagpapatawa sa mga tao, pero hindi lang basta mapapatawa. Kasi after mong tumawa, bago kang umuwi ng bahay o habang umuuwi ka ng bahay, mapapaisip ka [ng] ‘oo nga ‘no.’ May ganung realization," said Mrs. Tan.
“That in itself sparks a conversation. Kapag nag-start ‘yung conversation, dun na din nagsisimula or may chance magsimula ang pagbabago.”
“Live AIDS: A Laugh Story” will be staged on May 9, 10, and 11 at the KAL Theater, Roces St., University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Ticketing and showtimes will be announced soon.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
