Deaf artist’s comic book ‘Whatcha Saying?’ gets stage adaptation

MANILA — A comic book by Deaf Filipino artist CJ Reynaldo that uses humor to introduce Filipino Sign Language and explore the experiences of Deaf people will be adapted for the stage by Apothecary Productions in November.

“Whatcha Saying?” follows CJ, a Deaf freshman student navigating life in a hearing world. When he meets his schoolmates Liam and Sarah, the three find ways to communicate as they explore friendship, love, identity and college life.

Published by Komiket, the graphic novel was a finalist at the 39th National Book Awards. Its stage adaptation will be performed in Filipino Sign Language, Tagalog and English, with a running time of about 45 to 60 minutes.

The production will first run at the Thames International Auditorium in Quezon City on November 4, with performances at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Additional shows are scheduled for November 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., and November 7 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets cost P800.

The show will then move to the Lorma Colleges audiovisual room in San Fernando, La Union, for performances on November 14, 15 and 16, with shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets cost P500.

Directed and adapted by Heart Romero, the production brings together a cast that includes Juner N. Quiambao as CJ, Nathan Molina and Raymond Aguilar as Liam, and Onix Valerio as Sarah.

Quiambao, who lost his hearing at age 8, is a graduate of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Applied Deaf Studies program. He has performed in theater productions and Deaf festivals and advocates for opportunities and greater representation for the Deaf community.

The production grew out of Romero’s participation in the C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T. program of Thames International, in partnership with the National Development Co. Through the program, Romero connected with creative industry practitioners, including Paolo Herras of Komiket, which led to the selection of Reynaldo’s graphic novel for adaptation.

Apothecary Productions, which is based in Manila and La Union, said it aims to create inclusive, community-rooted theater and expand opportunities for audiences and artists outside Metro Manila. The company also works with Deaf and Terp Corp. on its efforts involving Deaf culture, Filipino Sign Language and accessibility.

“Whatcha Saying?” is the company’s first production since “Emulsyon – A Twinbill” in November 2024.

Tickets are available through Ticketnation Philippines.