By: Throy Catan
THE much-talked-about Philippine production of M. Butterfly got nominated in two categories for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards.
First, Maya Encila got nominated for Best Featured Actress as Renee. She also portrayed as the alluring pin-up girl. On the other hand, fashion designer Eric Pineda got nominated in Best Costume Design category for his fabulous costumes.
The cast and crew of M. Butterfly encourage people who watched the show to vote. Just visit this link and vote for your favorite pick.
Meanwhile, M. Butterfly will have its own national tour. It’s coming to 5 major cities in the Philippines next year, including Iloilo, Davao, Cebu, Dumaguete, and Baguio. They haven’t announced the specific dates, but the tour will start in January 2019 in Iloilo with stops in Davao, Cebu, Dumaguete, and Baguio before returning to Manila in February 2019 for a 21-show run.
Last October, Tony Award Winner and producer Jhett Tolentino went to Baguio from New York for the ocular inspection. He’s with production manager Isha Germentil and set designer Ohm David.
A few days later, they went to Cebu, and went all the way to Dumaguete. The trip concluded on October 25th. No further information on when they’ll go to Iloilo and Davao.
The tour was first announced during David Henry Hwang‘s theater workshop last September at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City by actor RS Francisco (Song Liling), Jhett Tolentino, and the M. Butterfly playwright himself, David Henry Hwang.
The Philippine production of M. Butterfly is directed by Kanakan Balintagos (director of Pisay, Busog and Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros). Produced by Jhett Tolentino and Frontrow Entertainment. The play star RS Francisco, Lee O’ Brian, Norman McLeod, Mayen Estañero, Rica Nepomuceno, Maya Encila, Pinky Amador, and Olivier Borten.
For more information, visit the M. Butterfly’s official Facebook page and Instagram account.