CCP’s National Theatre Live challenges societal norms with 'Inter Alia' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest'

In another rendition of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ National Theatre Live (CCP NTL) this September, London’s Inter Alia and The Importance of Being Earnest explore the complexity and fragility of one’s identity amidst established social and personal norms.

Shot live from the theaters in London, Inter Alia will be screening at Glorietta 4 while The Importance of Being Earnest returns to Philippine cinema at Ayala Malls Vertis North and Ayala Malls Central Bloc Cebu, both on September 30 at 6PM.

A woman’s test on duty and motherhood

Written by Suzie Miller and directed by Justin Martin, Inter Alia is about London Crown Court Judge Jessica Parks. A smart, passionate, and free-spirited woman, she is at the height of her career, making waves as she continues to challenge the system and status quo while also maintaining her role as a mother in her own family. But when her own son is convicted of a crime, her morals, not only as a Judge but as a mother, are questioned and tested.

Academy Award-nominated actress Rosamund Pike (Saltburn) is at the forefront of this production as it explores not only the justice system but what it means to be a woman in that very system. The play traverses through the themes of motherhood and the exploration of masculinity during the digital age. 

The staging of the play has been hailed by critics as a superb introspection to the complexity of justice, especially in rape cases. One month since its staging, Inter Alia has since been sold out on all its future shows.

Bunburying, a reinvention of oneself

A unique take on Victorian satire, The Importance of Being Earnest is the newest stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. Directed by Max Webster, the play centers around two men living false identities, but as more serious events unfold, they must maneuver through the lies that they themselves administered.

Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) is joined by Hugh Skinner (Mamma Mia!) in portraying Algernon and Jack respectively, with both characters living double lives in the Victorian era. Both characters lead these lives to evade social expectations with both assuming the name ‘Ernest’. The Importance of Being Earnest is a staunch critique of the social norms of its time, with the play tackling what it truly means to be performative in a time where performance is necessary.

Even with its setting, The Importance of Being Earnest continues to be socially relevant with the themes it tackles and how it is meant to be executed as written by Oscar Wilde.

Bringing the London theatre experience to the Philippines

The CCP National Theatre Live, made in partnership with National Theatre Live London and Ayala Malls Cinemas, continues to bring renowned productions of classic dramas from the London stages to enrich Filipinos’ love and appreciation of the performing arts. 

Since 2009, UK’s National Theatre Live is a groundbreaking project meant to broadcast its best productions across the globe, not only to make theatre accessible as a whole but to continuously share the art of drama around the world.

Regular ticket prices are Php300 in Makati and Cebu, and Php350 in Vertis North, with special ticket price for students at PHP150 upon presentation of valid ID. Visit the cinema ticket booth or book online via www.sureseats.com. 

To get the latest updates on CCP’s National Theatre Live and other events, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more news.