Curtain Call: TRUMPERTE

11/13/2018 01:40:45 AM

In the time of political correctness, comedy must be the one thing that is hard for anyone to do. Well, unless you are thick-skinned enough to withstand any form of bashing (not even criticism).

Let's face it. Mark Twain's formula goes like this: comedy is tragedy plus time. As unfortunate and harsh as it sounds, it can't be denied that one's laughter may come from an expense of another's misery. Perhaps, this may be the reason why a lot of netizens are “woke” enough to the extent of being unable to comprehend a single political joke. At the same time, it's no secret why we don't have satire shows on television shows anymore.

And how on earth can you get to watch one political spoof gag program? By simply going to the shows where performers like Jon Santos transform a boring space into a livelier one – of course, at the expense of current events plus all the tragedy and stupidities embodying in it.

That said, Jon Santos' second staging of TRUMPERTE took place for a weekend inside the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City; and boy, everyone was delighted by this thespian's antics ranging from impersonating notable lady characters like Melanie Trump, Mocha Uson, and Imelda Marcos, to the leaders of today such as US President Donald Trump and Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte; and add the spoofing of Gus Abelgas there, too!

For a bit over 90 minutes, TRUMPERTE made me forget my rage as an individual who talks politics on a rare basis. No, let me correct myself, it made me more aware but to be entertained at the same time. Pulling off such a comedy show isn't a joke, especially when if it deals with the news that usually has a shorter shelf life. You can't simply throw a pun about a past issue and expect people to laud you with echoing HAHAHAs when everyone (including bashers and even the disinterested ones) have already moved on from it. 

Be it as part of the script or a sudden outburst from the mind, Santos managed to pull the punches with precise and conviction – or to simply put... on target, on time, and on the money. He proved his worth as the country's barometer for satire in over 30 years. Mad props to this iconic Vilmanian impersonator.

Though it's saddening that TRUMPERTE only had a two-night run for the second time. Well, maybe a third series of staging will be at works soon. We just need a bunch of kindred spirits that are willing and able to take everything with a grain of salt – and saucy dessert jokes.

The Verdict: 9.5/10

Author: slickmaster | © 2019 The SlickMaster's Files