Teatro Paulinos’ I Saw Iris: Allowing Hope to Exceed Uncertainty
By: Milo Enriquez
“To whom do we plead when the fates cut the string?”, the opening narration begs the question as Teatro Paulino Season 15’s Main Play, I Saw Iris lifts the curtains for those willing to find the answer last January 23, 2024, at the Bishop Frederick Rooker Auditorium.
Written by the center’s very own president, Mischa Suarez, and secretary, Ash Reyes, Teatro Paulino’s most awaited annual main play was a heartbreakingly inspiring story of hope. The original musical was brought to life by a delightfully talented main cast of seven and a charming ensemble, alongside segments of live music by CFM-I’s Paulinian Chamber Orchestra led by their maestro, Sir Kent Capistrano.
The story follows Everly Abington, played by Patricia Uvero, as she tries to navigate what is left of both her hometown in London and her seemingly bleak future after running off several years ago without explanation. In the process, she awakens something that lingers within the abandoned remains of the old theatre, the ghost of Summer Amarylis, portrayed by Altheia Lacap.
This journey of grief and self-discovery is further brought to life by the talented abilities of Zela Munsod as Younger Summer, Hillary Quezon as Delilah, Sam Sulit as Benji, Francesa Salazar as Mr. Hughes, and Kazi Huergas as Cleo. Each one of these actors truly captured their role, having made their presences known in every line they delivered. The chemistry that Uvero and Lacap cultivated along the course of portraying their characters was only strengthened by the bond between the rest of the cast, grounding the characters even under somewhat supernatural circumstances.
Notably, audiences seemed to have responded most enthusiastically to the interactions between Younger Summer and Delilah — searching for subtleties that Munsod and Quezon had managed to communicate without having needed to utter a single phrase. Additionally, it was clear that the youthful and comedic spirit in Sulit’s portrayal of Benji endeared many to his character and turned him into a fan favorite, of sorts.
The story hit every beat necessary to make a lasting impact — from the sheer intensity of the town’s pleas for help as the plague overtook them and Summer’s grief after the fact, to the overwhelming sense of hope that Delilah held for her and Summer’s futures and Everly holds for her own, to the comedic timing in between heartfelt moments, and to the striking music and choreography backed by the ensemble that brings the story all together.
“Iris isn’t a person, iris means hope. My story means I Saw Hope. The same hope that Delilah had for the life away from London and the hope that Everly carries for her future. The same hope I wish I’d had on the days where I cried thinking about what would become of me the moment I leave the comfort of this school.” Mischa Suarez — Senior, President of Teatro Paulino Season 15, and I Saw Iris Co-Writer — explained in her heartwarming closing speech. “[…], let me tell you this; we will be alright whatever we pursue.”
In the end, I Saw Iris managed to captivate its audience from the get-go, exceeding expectations and communicating one simple message in such a way that manages to be relatable regardless of the supernatural circumstances the story takes place in. It is also a testament to the cast’s talent, having executed the story so skillfully to the point that the audience was on the edge of their seats rooting for every character, loudly cheering when the story and each of its characters had met its satisfying end.
“Hope is many things, a fickle thing — the thing with feathers, the flowers you raise to the sky in silent prayer. But above all, it is a strength…”
