It is vital to note that the play does not flow in chronological order. Scenes oscillate between past and future events, allowing audiences to see a juxtaposition between the lives of the characters before and after the incident. The stage design, conceptualised by Ed Lacson Jnr (who also directs this play), is nothing short of clever, allowing for a flawless and quick transition from one scene to another.  

Stop Kiss comes to Manila on the heels of Pride Month, which adds a hefty weight to its significance. It’s a story that we hear about too often; the struggle for acceptance and freedom to love is ongoing, and, like Callie and Sara, there is still much to endure. But Stop Kiss, a piece of fiction so close to reality, reminds us that there is hope for brighter days ahead.

Co-presented by Positive Space, MusicArtes, and New Voice Company, Stop Kiss Manila will run on its second weekend from 19 to 21 July at the Power Mac Centre Spotlight in Circuit, Makati. Tickets are available online at ticket2me.net/e/2445/stop-kiss or tinyurl.com/StopKissMNLTickets.