Two emotionally charged stories take center stage this season as Kho Lab Productions and Artist Playground present brings back  Double Take, a twin bill production featuring Reverse Card and AL.TER from May 29 to June 21 in Makati.

To be staged at Illuminations Studio and helmed by Paul Jake Paule, the production combines two one-act plays that delve into identity, grief, vulnerability and shifting power dynamics.

At the heart of Double Take is its exploration of human connection in confined emotional spaces. Though distinct in narrative and tone, both plays examine the ways people confront pain, memory and unresolved emotions.

Reverse Card follows Marvin, a gay author haunted by years of torment due to his gender identity. In an unexpected attempt at reconciliation, he invites his former classmate and longtime bully John into his home. However, what begins as vulnerability slowly transforms into a tense psychological confrontation after Marvin’s latest play is rejected in favor of John’s work.

Meanwhile, AL.TER centers on Al, an interior designer struggling to move forward after losing his partner. Returning to a department store filled with memories, he encounters Ter — a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance to the man he lost. As emotions unravel throughout the encounter, Al is forced to confront the blurred boundaries between grief, memory and acceptance.

The re-run of Reverse Card sees the return of Gerhard Krysstopher as Marvin and Gerald Magallanes as John. Joining the production are new cast members Drei Arias and Lance Cabradilla alternating as John, alongside Inah Evans and Jarold Brimbuela, who both step into the role of Marvin.

For AL.TER, CJ Tiongson and Johnrey Rivas alternate as Al, opposite James Ramada, Drei Arias and John Ven Soco portraying Ter.

Double Take will run every Friday to Sunday from May 29 to June 21 at Illuminations Studio, located at 2723 Sabio St. corner Chino Roces Ave., Makati.

Showtimes are scheduled at 8:00 PM from Friday to Sunday, with additional 3:00 PM matinee performances every Saturday and Sunday. 

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.

Posters courtesy of the production.