Slice of Life: A Review of Request sa Radyo
Lea Salonga and Dolly De Leon return to the stage in Request sa Radyo (Wunschkonzert/Request Program), a play by Franz Xaver Kroetz that is a masterpiece of modern theater. For its Philippine debut, the unique theatrical experience features the celebrated actors in alternating performances.
Words Jewel Chuansu
Photos courtesy of Sandro Paredes / Request sa Radyo
October 11, 2024
Lea Salonga as Ms. Reyes in Request sa Radyo
It’s often said that art holds a mirror to our lives, allowing us to see ourselves more clearly. In Request sa Radyo, this sentiment resonates greatly. I had the chance to catch Lea Salonga’s performance, and the moment she stepped onto the stage, I thought, “This is me.” She portrays a woman returning home after a long day, engaging in the ordinary activities of life—cooking dinner, washing clothes, tidying up. She moves through her condo with care, demonstrating her connection to her space; it’s her sanctuary, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Yet, in her solitude, she carries out these tasks in silence, devoid of conversation or companionship.
We all have our nighttime rituals, though not the glamorous routines showcased on TikTok. This is an ordinary home inhabited by an ordinary person. It’s striking to witness such a relatable depiction in a theater setting. While the audience surrounds her, she remains absorbed in her world, offering us a glimpse into the life of a private individual. The strength of the performance lies in its naturalness; there’s no distraction, just an actor fully immersed in the moment, lacking artifice.
This is not a typical play. There are no songs, no dialogue, no ensemble cast. Initially, I questioned how the audience would grasp the context without spoken words. We know she’s an OFW caregiver who lives alone, but that’s all we need to understand. Her experience echoes universally; it reflects the end of our own days, especially for those who are single. I ponder whether the character feels lonely or if solitude has become a comfortable norm.
At the day’s end, we all seek to unwind, especially given how much time work consumes. But for this character, does she truly find rest and solace at home?
Certain elements animate her existence—like listening to OPM songs on the radio, which fill her space with warmth. We witness her creating art, carefully adding the final touches to a piece, holding it up for appreciation before putting it away. These moments of beauty—art, music, the soothing conversational tone of the radio DJ—enrich her life. Yet, when the radio goes silent, that loneliness becomes palpable. In an era where we’re constantly bombarded with news and entertainment, are we merely escaping the silence that amplifies our fears? How long can we evade that silence, or can we learn to embrace it?
This play dares not only to depict the ordinary but to dwell deeply within it. With minimal action and no dialogue, it invites us to engage with our own lives and recognize the beauty in the mundane, challenging a culture constantly craving entertainment.
Yet, it does not shy away from darker themes, presenting an unfiltered view of loneliness—a feeling we can all relate to. We’ve all experienced those moments of doubt: Can I make it through another day?
Request sa Radyo is a play that lingers long after it ends, illuminating the beauty in our simple, everyday lives and elevating them to art.
Presented by Ayala Land, John B. Echauz & Joanna Silayan-Echauz, Bobby Garcia and Clint Ramos, and with BPI as the official bank partner, the strictly limited engagement with 20 performances will begin on October 10, 2024 until October 20, 2024 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre in Makati City. Lea Salonga and Dolly De Leon will perform the solo piece in scheduled alternating performances.
Tickets for ‘Request sa Radyo are available via TicketWorld. For latest announcements, follow the official social media accounts @RequestSaRadyo on Facebook and Instagram and its official venue partner @cpatofficial.
