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Repertory Philippines (REP) introduces the gripping world of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal this March, adding a touch of intrigue to the theatrical scene. From West End to Manila, Betrayal becomes a key component of The Bridge Project, showcasing local theater talents.

REP has kicked off its 87th season, featuring the long-awaited Manila premiere of Betrayal, a masterpiece by the renowned British playwright and Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter. The play is captivating audiences at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza until March 17.

Here are some snapshots from the opening night of REP’s staging of Betrayal.

Betrayal, honored with The Olivier Award and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, skillfully employs a reverse-chronological structure to narrate the poignant story of an extramarital affair involving Emma, Robert, and Jerry—Robert’s closest friend. Inspired by Pinter’s own seven-year affair, the play is a three-act performance spanning nine years and set in London and Venice.

Under the direction of the acclaimed actor and theater director Victor Lirio, Betrayal stars London-based Filipino actors James Bradwell, James Cooney, and Vanessa White, each boasting extensive experience on both stage and screen.

Director Lirio, based in New York and London, has a track record of successful productions, including his recent role as Resident Director for Dr. Semmelweis in the West End. Bradwell, known for his performances at prestigious London venues, has also made a mark on Netflix’s Bridgerton. Cooney, with lead roles at renowned theaters, and White, a former member of The Saturdays, bring diverse experiences to the stage.

The cast also includes Manila-based actors Regina De Vera and Jef Flores, both Philstage Gawad Buhay awardees. The production boasts a talented team with set design by Miguel Urbino, lighting design by John Batalla, sound design by Fabian Obispo, and costume design by Becky Bodurtha.

Lirio further expresses his excitement about directing his first production in his home country and at Repertory Philippines. He plans to explore Betrayal through the lens of the second-generation Filipino immigrant experience in London, setting it in contemporary times. The cast, with roots in Davao, Naga City, and Batangas, aims to infuse the Filipino perspective into this intricate story.

REP presents Betrayal as part of The Bridge Project, a collaborative effort among global theater practitioners of Filipino descent from New York, London, and Manila. Launched in June 2020 in London by Lirio and currently partnered with REP in Manila, this global initiative serves as a platform for skills exchange.