‘The Art of Breaking Up’ moves BINI Jhoanna to tears; says she hopes to return to theater

MANILA — BINI’s Jhoanna was visibly tearful during the media preview of “The Art of Breaking Up” at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City on Thursday.

Despite having no personal experience with “deep romantic love,” Jhoanna said the play’s poignant storytelling and relatable portrayal of heartbreak were enough to move her emotionally.

“Sa mga napapanood ko sa ibang kakilala ko, personally wala pa ako experience deeply in love pero ang sakit may music pa… first part pinapakita ibang ways ng breakup. Kahit ano gender parepareho pinag dadaanan. But for the second part na highlight importance of loving someone habang andyan siya,” she explained in an interview.

(“Based on what I’ve seen from people I know, since I haven’t personally experienced being deeply in love yet. But  it was still painful to watch, especially with the music. The first part showed the different ways people experience breakups. Regardless of gender, we all go through the same things. The second part, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of loving someone while they are still with us.”)

She added that the play’s themes would resonate with audiences regardless of their relationship experiences.

“Naiyak ako not because nakaka relate ako pero sobrang relatable niya. OK  man kayo o hinde. Makakarelate ka sa bawat scenes,” she reasoned.

(“It is very relatable. Whether your relationship is OK or not. You can relate to the scenes.”)

The BINI leader also expressed interest in returning to the theater stage, this time to try her hand at a straight play.

Jhoanna was previously part of “Tabing Ilog the Musical.”

“I missed it. This is something I want to try [Straight play.] I want to know the feeling of doing a straight play,” she admitted. “But I want to do a workshop first.”

“The Art of Breaking Up” will run from November 6 until December 6.