We Aren't Kids Anymore Unpacks the Soundtrack of Growing Up

From May 2 to 25, the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati will transform into a space for introspection as Barefoot Theatre Collaborative stages We Aren't Kids Anymore, Drew Gasparini's song cycle featuring a poem by Keith White and musical arrangements by Justin Goldner and Gasparini.

Directed by Rem Zamora, with musical direction by Myke Salomon and Farley Asuncion, and movement direction by Jomelle Era, this 90-minute, intermission-less production embarks on a unique theatrical endeavor: exploring the complexities of growing up through the fractured yet unified lens of a single character, Drew, portrayed by five distinct actors. This approach invites audiences to delve into the multifaceted nature of identity, memory, and the universal truths that resonate within us all.

The Organic Evolution of the Song Cycle, We Aren't Kids Anymore

Dictionaries define "song cycle" as "a group of songs written by one person and connected with each other by dealing with the same characters or ideas." In this case, it's a cycle of songs by Gasparini. "A song cycle, in general, is a group of songs in chronological order threaded by a commonality," Zamora explains.

Considering this innovative form, the creative team approaches the staging of We Aren't Kids Anymore (WAKA) with an open and adaptable mindset, embracing its inherent fluidity.

Zamora candidly admits the absence of a rigid guiding principle: "To say that there was a North Star guiding us...wala. Which is weird to say, it feels so uncomfortable, di ba? Pero, that's the truth. We sit down with the actors, in sessions that we call the WAKA Focus Group or WAKA Therapy, and talk about the material: how it affects each and every one of us, and how we will bring that message out. And that changes every single day. This willingness to allow the production to evolve organically, shaped by the actors' interpretations and the material's emotional core, became a defining characteristic of their process.

But Era clarifies that this constantly evolving production doesn't mean they don't have a guide; it just means that every day is organic. Therein lies the beauty of the material. She emphasizes this dynamic with the rest of the creative team and cast, describing a creative landscape of "360-degree possibilities," where one idea affects the other.

While the overall vision might have shifted from day one, Zamora notes the importance of the performance space as an anchor: "One thing that we've pinned down already, which also took a while, is the space. Mas may anchor na kami nang konti. But yes, nag-iiba pa rin."

Song Cycle versus a Full-Blown Musical

The very structure of a song cycle, as Zamora points out, lends itself to this exploratory and emotionally driven approach. "Ito kasi, the beauty of [lies] in themes [that] are so universal. It speaks to us, all of us, in so many different ways. The way to stage it is also, the spectrum is so wide." Unlike narrative-driven musicals, We Aren't Kids Anymore relies on the emotional resonance of its songs and the connections forged between them. The director highlights the crucial role of the transitions, stating, "More importantly, the process in between the songs [or] what happens in between, for me, is the most important. [It's] as important as the song itself kasi doon natutuhog, di ba?" In the absence of spoken dialogue, movement becomes a primary mode of storytelling, with Era explaining that it's "not choreographic. It's more behavioral. So kung ano yung nararamdaman ng katawan, paano siya lumalabas sa katawan pag nararamdaman mo siya."

Salomon, who's also part of the cast, underscores the unique freedom and responsibility inherent in staging a song cycle: "Sa manual namin, ang sabi doon, kayo ang bahala gumawa ng narrative. Meaning, they wanted it to be specifically designed for the ones mounting it. So, 'yun 'yung maganda din sa show. So, 'yun 'yung challenge and the beauty of it. We can interpret it sa context namin." Asuncion believes their interpretation is particularly significant, stating, "I think we're one of the first to really devise this as a theatrical work talaga."

Esquire Philippines' quick chat with Rem Zamora and Jomelle Era last April 11

Five Actors, One Artist

The most distinctive element of this production is the casting of five actors to portray different facets of the central character, Drew. Joining Salomon are Gab Pangilinan, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, and Luigi Quesada; with covers Katrine Sunga and Angelo Lantaco.

Salomon elaborates on the concept: "We all play Drew. Iba-ibang Drew. Iba-ibang Drew sa iba't ibang parts ng buhay niya. And we confront each Drew." This fragmented yet cohesive portrayal allows for a rich exploration of the complexities of growing up and dreaming big as an artist.

Pangilinan describes her Drew as embodying ambition tinged with insecurity: "My Drew would be the go-getter but full of doubts. Someone who's ambitious and career-driven. But maybe borderline also defines her, who she is based on her career."

Quesada offers a contrasting perspective, portraying a Drew marked by unspoken depths: "subdued, well-adjusted, but with something to say that he hasn't said before. Mysterious."

Gahol's Drew grapples with internal conflicts, admitting, "the things that he's dealing with, he's not very open about. It's not very easy for him to open up these things to the other parts of himself."

Cruz sees her portrayal as representing broader struggles with change and self-acceptance: "the battle to change. The battle to change and the battle to choose yourself." She, after all, sings the titular track "We Aren't Kids Anymore."

Lantaco aptly summarizes the interconnectedness of these portrayals: "They are emotionally charged, coming from different perspectives. They're distinct, but when converged, they all make sense because one cannot live without the other."

We Aren't Kids Anymore cast: Gio Gahol, Gab Pangilinan, Myke Salomon, Maronne Cruz, and Luigi Quesada

Mining Personal Truths: The Relatability of Shared Experience

The power of We Aren't Kids Anymore lies in its ability to tap into deeply personal experiences, both for the performers and the audience. Era emphasizes the "danas ng katawan" as a wellspring of authentic movement. "I'm just looking at my five beautiful, amazing, generous actors, and the movement is already there. Whatever they feel, whatever movement design comes out, it came from their bodies, it came from their experience," she adds.

Sunga speaks to the vulnerability of the rehearsal process: "It's really a dive into our personal lives. It's about yourself. Your struggles and your joys. So, at some point, we have to dig into the deeper innermost secret parts of ourselves. But, we're a team in a brave and safe space."

The songs themselves resonate with raw honesty, as Salomon attests: "It's very personal. In the middle of a song, parang akala mo, personal attack na siya. Gano'n siya nangungusap." This intimacy creates a powerful connection with the audience, a feeling of being understood by a close confidante.

Covers: Katrine Sunga and Angelo Lantaco

A Transformative Journey During Rehearsals

The journey of bringing We Aren't Kids Anymore to the stage has been one of profound personal realization for the cast.

Quesada shares, "I think what I like about this rehearsal process is that it taught me how to be strong for myself, really answer the questions that I've been avoiding and asking myself, and also realizing that my answers and what I'm going through are completely fine."

Pangilinan echoes this sentiment: "There's just something about We Aren't Kids Anymore that is so unique because it is the most personal show I've ever had the chance to do. It's like everybody is going to come out of it learning something new about themselves."

For Gahol, the music evokes vivid memories: "Whenever those songs come up, pictures come to mind. It's so nice to revisit those things that I haven't thought about in years. What brought them out are songs, and that's magical."

Cruz speaks to the transformative power of the material in confronting personal struggles: "Coming to terms with who I am and being unapologetic about it has been a war I have waged for decades. I bring that into this show."

Ultimately, We Aren't Kids Anymore offers a unique and deeply resonant exploration of the human experience. Through its deconstruction of the song cycle, its commitment to personal truth, and its innovative portrayal of a multifaceted identity, Barefoot Theatre Collaborative invites audiences to witness a powerful reflection on what it means to grow, to change, and to ultimately understand the many selves that reside within us. As Lantaco hopes, audiences will approach the show with open hearts, ready to connect with the universal journey of becoming who we are.

We Aren’t Kids Anymore runs from May 2 to 25 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are at P3,200 (Gold) and P2,700 (Silver). Available through their ticket channels.