In this collection of works, Em Mendez courageously tackles difficult subjects in language and dialogue which goes from the hilariously slapstick to heavy pathos. His treatment moves from extreme realism to a kind of heady surrealism. While all of these have been staged at the Virgin Labfest – reading each play brings forth new nuances and a better understanding into the playwrights’ unique mindset. -Nikki Garde-Torres Theater is described as “slices of life” staged in the dark, magical boundaries of the stage. Em Mendez’s plays are slices of lives that range from the dark humor and pathos of reality to the funny and absurd side of fantasy and imagination. It is the vision of a new playwright who can still find facets in our society to write about on stage and screen. -Jose Victor Z. Torres — with Em Mendez.

1. Philippine drama (Filipino)