Lea Salonga Reveals Why You Should Watch 'Request sa Radyo'
The ever-vibrant theater scene of Manila is about to witness a world-class masterpiece, as Franz Xaver Kroets’ landmark play “Request sa Radyo (Wunschkonzert)” is coming to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater stage this October.
Featuring two of the world’s most acclaimed Filipina actresses, the Tony and Olivier Award winner and legendary musical icon Lea Salonga and British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) and Golden Globe nominee Dolly de Leon, “Request sa Radyo” offers a must-see show that’s one for the books.
Prior to the show’s opening on Oct. 10, Lea Salonga took the time to speak with The Beat Manila through an intimate roundtable discussion about the upcoming play. In the conversation, Lea goes candid about what audiences can look forward to.
World-Class Thespians and Producers
Lea and Dolly, with their extensive experience and distinct flair on stage, will be taking turns to bring to life the story of Ms. Reyes, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who navigates a quiet and solitary life through her meticulous evening routine. The play, according to a press release, will reveal this character’s deeply ingrained loneliness and yearning for connection through her actions and favorite radio program.
These two actresses are not the only ones making the show a world-class marvel, because Clint Ramos, the six-time Tony Award nominee and recipient of the Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Play for his work in "Eclipsed,” is the play’s creative director and producer, while Bobby Garcia, an acclaimed stage director in and out of the country, is joining the bill as “Request sa Radyo’s” director and producer.
“When I was asked by Clint and Bobby if I was interested at all in this project, an experience that told a probable and possible story that absolutely applies to our people, I said sure, even before knowing all the details,” said Lea.
“It will be a challenge though, but hopefully will lend a figurative voice to those who are suffering,” she added.
The world-renowned actress and singer likewise said that while she and Dolly will play the same role, their renditions will feel like “two different shows.”
“Dolly and I have different, unique interpretations (of the role), so it’s going to be like two different shows. So people should watch both!” Lea notes.
A Wordless Play, But a Feast for the Senses
The one-woman show, as Lea shares, will be a play with no monologues, dialogues, or songs. On how it plans to get the message across to the viewers, Lea gives us one answer – silence.
“A lot can be communicated through silence... And sometimes, silence is better because when there’s dialogue, a lot can distract you. With silence, diretso lang e (it’s straight to the point)," Lea told The Beat Manila.
The worldwide theater icon was also pumped over the thought of not singing throughout the show, something she has been known globally for. “The first thing I was excited about was, ‘hindi ako kakanta (I’m not going to sing)!’ There’s no 45-minute vocal warm-up that precedes the play,” she tells the group.
She added, however, that this poses a challenge for her. “But then, I better figure this out. Even though there’s a lot happening in this tiny apartment, how do we keep it interesting without saying anything, without music?”
Despite it being a wordless play, however, Lea assures spectators that the play will offer a feast for the senses, where the audiences will be able to see, feel, and smell things that will tell them all about the characters’ experiences.
“The subtitles are going to be on my face,” Lea says with a grin.
A Look Into Solitude and Loneliness
The show's opening date, October 10, falls on World Mental Health Day. Similarly, the play dives into the complexities of depression and solitude, which will surely leave audiences contemplating what loneliness means and feels like.
In a separate statement, the “Request sa Radyo's" producers explained, “Blurring the line between theater and performance art, Franz Xaver Kroetz’s wordless play speaks to the silent struggles of isolation and the deep human need for connection. Through its minimalist approach and profound storytelling, grounded in a specific Filipino lived experience, this production invites audiences to find extraordinary meaning in the everyday.”
According to Lea, the play will also challenge the stereotypes that Filipinos, or OFWs for that matter, always have the “hospitable” and “caring” qualities that conventions dictate.
“OFWs are always seen as hospitable, but ‘Request sa Radyo’ will show what happens behind closed doors, when [the character] is left alone in her apartment.”
“What I am hoping for, is that those who see the show will truly understand what the resulting mental health challenge is. Because loneliness is not a joke,” Lea further notes.
Offering a preview of the play, Lea adds, “The audiences are going to be very near [the stage]. It’s a voyeuristic look into another person’s life, except you’re not going to be using binoculars; you’re literally there.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this world-class production! “Request sa Radyo” runs from Oct. 10 to Oct. 20 only, featuring 10 performances each from Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon. Tickets are available via TicketWorld, with prices ranging from P8,240 to P9,785. For more information, visit the show’s official website or follow its Instagram or Facebook pages.
“Request sa Radyo” is presented by Ayala Land, Bobby Garcia, Clint Ramos, John B. Echauz, and Joanna Silayan – Echauz, with BPI as the official bank partner.
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