MANILA — A play that deals with people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is set to premiere this weekend at RCBC Theater in Makati.

"WARD 448", by Frontline Production Inc., is slated on October 29 and 30, with matinee (3 p.m. and gala 7 p.m.) performances at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4th Floor, Tower II, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave.

“WARD 448”, a play written and directed by Rodel Mercado is a trilogy that presents the stories of individuals that have HIV virus affliction. The play depicts the fight-or-flight response of persons infected with this devastating and life-threatening disease and how discrimination, ignorance, and stigma exacerbate the predicament of persons with HIV.

From the point of view and reportage of Jennylyn Braza, a news reporter with Karina Macaspac and Jenney Cañeja as alternates, the story of three RITM in-patients who stay in the same ward will figure in their news story.

The headliners are Carla Mae, a mother of three with Anna Escobia and Justine Torralba as alternates; the men who have sex with other men group who work at BPO are VJ Mendoza, Kevin Posadas, and Rey Correjado; and seasoned thespians Ronnie Martinez and Roeder Camanag who alternately portray Francis, a jaded drag performer.

“The production’s main reason for being is that we want to shed light and give the correct information about people with HIV affliction. Yes, we focus on their difficulties and struggles, especially in coming to terms that they have the HIV infection and they manage to maintain their dignity and humanity,” Mercado said.

“The play employs of humor, drama, paghaplos sa puso at pagbubukas ng pang-unawa elements to the play’s narrative.

“The medium of theater here has become a powerful tool to impart knowledge about the affliction that is HIV, to push safe sex practices customary, to clear the stigma, and nurture a community that does not judge, but understands and helps those who are HIV afflicted and their loved ones.

“By watching our play, you’re also exercising your power to contribute to the collective efforts to minimize, and hopefully end the escalating digits of individuals with HIV. Be one with us as we debunk the stigma, show compassion and understanding, and give accurate information on HIV affliction.”

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