Anino Sa Likod Ng Buwan: Love & Sex As Weapons Of War

A looming sculptural assemblage of gnarled tree trunks with spiraling branches hovers above, casting shadows on the interiors of a makeshift hut where purple and blue rays of light create a dreamlike tableau. Outside, a blood-red sky foreshadows an eclipse, not quite a good omen. Enter Emma (Elora Españo) revealing her naked body made for sin and a sure sign of trouble ahead.

- RICKY TOLEDO & CHITO VIJANDRE

A looming sculptural assemblage of gnarled tree trunks with spiraling branches hovers above, casting shadows on the interiors of a makeshift hut where purple and blue rays of light create a dreamlike tableau. Outside, a blood-red sky foreshadows an eclipse, not quite a good omen. Enter Emma (Elora Españo) revealing her naked body made for sin and a sure sign of trouble ahead. Suddenly, there is no chiaroscuro here, it's bright as day, raw flesh that is a recurring theme and a weapon in the gripping political and psychological drama, Anino sa Likod ng Buwan, the debut stage production of IdeaFirst Live! written by Jun Robles Lana and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio. Originally written in 1993 when it won the grand prize of the Bulwagang Gantimpala playwriting competition, it was adapted and directed by Lana for the big screen in 2015 and later did the international film circuit where it garnered awards.