Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Bloodletting play by Pork Filled Productions at Theatre Off Jackson directed by Zenaida R. Smith. Filipino story about Aswangs with a queer spin. I felt like I was back in the Philippines! #Aswang #showsiveseen #theatre #palawan
See it if you want to reminisce about the Philippines
Synopsis from the Theatre: Under the watchful moon, estranged siblings Farrah and Bosley reunite in the Philippines to spread their father’s ashes in Palawan’s treasured underground river. They take shelter from a storm in a local café, where they open old family wounds and encounter an aswang, a Filipino vampire, who awakens in Farrah an ancient, terrifying, and innate power. Will she embrace her new-found power? Or let it destroy herself and her brother?
Attended Performance Date: 10/20/23 (Opening Weekend) – See my previous preview posts here.
Type: Play
World Premiere: No
Several or Few Scenes: Few
Several or Few Settings/Locations: Few
Static (Stationary) Set: Yes
Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You should be familiar with Aswangs. The program contains a good explanation. People who don’t know what Aswangs are (sadly me) and who didn’t read the Aswangs article (me again) might struggle understanding what an Aswangs is when watching this play. The theatre’s synopsis touts them as “vampires,” but that word is too limiting. But I guess there isn’t a western term that encompasses this Filipino concept.
Defined Plot/Storyline: Mostly yes, but there’s only so much that can occur with few scenes/locations
Equity Actors: 0
Total Number of Actors: 4
Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow, especially with the large amount of dialogue. However, it did help to have fight scenes where the Aswang used their power.
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours
Was there an intermission?: Yes
Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show: Yes
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: No
Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts
- Scenic Design: The stage accurately portrayed what a typical eatery might look like in the Philippines in the middle of nowhere. It had thatch-like bahay kubo flair.
- LeeLee: I probably enjoyed Anna Mulia’s portrayal of LeeLee the most. She portrayed mystery, youthful energy, and a good impression of a Pinay born in the Philippines.
- Audio: The sound effects were well-timed and well-chosen.
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)
- Blood: For a play called “Bloodletting,” I thought there would be more blood!
Theatre Company: Pork Filled Productions
Venue: Theatre Off Jackson
Venue Physical Address: 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Price: Cheap
Regular Tickets: https://porkfilled.com/wp/pfp-presents-bloodletting/
Ticket Affordability Options: You can self-select “access pricing” on the ticketing website.
Dates: October 19 to November 4, 2023
Seating: General Admission
Parking: Paid street parking is usually available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. You can also try free parking on Jackson Street closer to the I-5 bridge. As usual, there are paid parking lots nearby as well.
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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures in video and under video by Roger Tang
Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and/or video below
@showsiveseen "Bloodletting" #play by @Pork Filled Productions at Theatre Off Jackson directed by Zenaida R. Smith. #Filipino story about #Aswangs with a queer spin. I felt like I was back in the #Philippines! Photos: Roger Tang. Review: showsiveseen.com/6958 #Aswang #showsiveseen #theatre #palawan ♬ Monster – Riduan Richie
| Role | Name |
| Leelee | Anna Mulia |
| Jenry | Sam Prudente |
| Farrah | Jen-Ai Clinton |
| Bosley | Matt Dela Cruz |
| Understudies | Anamaria Guerzon Kendall Uyeji |
| — | — |
| Director | Zenaida R. Smith |
| Playwright | Boni B. Alvarez |
| Assistant Director | David Le |
| Stage Manager | Omar Faust |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Alister James Stern |
| Cultural Consultant and Dramaturg | Eloisa Cardona |
| Assistant Dramaturg | Anamaria Guerzon |
| Electrician | Robert Lucy |
| Outreach | Sam Qiambo |
| Props Designer | Jessamyn Bateman-Iino |
| Lighting Designer | Emily Leong |
| Intimacy & Fight Consultant | Jasmine Lomax |
| Set Designer and Builder | Robin Macartnery |
| Costume Designer | Corinne Park-Buffelen |
| Sound Designer | Josh Valdez |
| Social Media Coordinator | Linda Rigor |
| Production Manager | P. Alyda Sorm |
| Graphic Designer | Kwesi Phillips |
| Producers | Omar Faust David Le P. Alyda Sorm Roger Tang Kendall Uyeji Josh Valdez |