Regina Aquino Returns to the Stage in "The Age of Innocence"

Regina Aquino, the celebrated local actor, director, and filmmaker, is back on stage with Arena Stage’s new production of "The Age of Innocence." This adaptation by Karen Zacarías, directed by Hana S. Sharif, brings Edith Wharton's classic 1920 novel to life, exploring the complexities of love, societal expectations, and individual desires during the Gilded Age.

Playing at Arena Stage until March 30, this production stars Regina Aquino as Adeline Archer, mother of Newland Archer, the play's protagonist. Set in a time when social decorum and rigid expectations govern every action, "The Age of Innocence" portrays a love triangle that challenges these societal norms.

Regina Aquino, a queer-identified first-generation Filipino immigrant and the first Filipino American actress to win a Helen Hayes Award, steps into the role of Mrs. Archer with enthusiasm and insight. In an interview, Aquino expressed her joy in portraying this character, highlighting Mrs. Archer's exuberant moments with her close friend, Mr. Sillerton Jackson, a well-known social arbiter. Together, they enjoy the pastime of gossiping about the goings-on in elite Manhattan society.

Complexities of Mrs. Archer

Despite her outwardly social nature, Mrs. Archer is a protective mother fiercely dedicated to maintaining her family's position and societal structures. Aquino notes Mrs. Archer's ruthlessness when it comes to defending her family and the societal frameworks they uphold, reflecting a character that is both complex and relatable.

Coming from a large Filipino matriarchal family, Aquino finds familiarity in Mrs. Archer's character, comparing her to figures she knows in the Philippines who are both socially engaged yet reserved about their inner circles.

Aquino also reflects on the evolving landscape of casting in theater and television, citing shows like "Bridgerton" and "Queen Charlotte" that have embraced diverse casting. She appreciates how Zacarías imagined "The Age of Innocence" with a diverse cast, truly reflecting the multiplicity of America.

The Art of Code Switching

For Aquino, navigating multiple identities is a natural part of her life. She describes the "code switching" she experiences when moving between her queer family, Filipinos, and artists of color. Each group offers a different perspective and language that she seamlessly integrates into her interactions.

Costume designer Fabio Tablini's exquisite costumes, crafted specifically to fit Aquino, help her embody Mrs. Archer's character. Wearing these period pieces, she discovers new ways of expressing herself, highlighting the transformative power of costume in theater.

Theater in the Round

Performing on Arena’s Fichandler Stage, a theater-in-the-round, is an exhilarating experience for Aquino. She revels in the challenge of having her whole body engaged in acting, with nowhere to hide from the audience's view. It fosters an authenticity in performance that she treasures.

While "The Age of Innocence" showcases the opulence of the Gilded Age for the upper class, it also offers commentary on class and the pursuit of authentic happiness. Aquino connects deeply with these themes, recognizing the timeless relevance of breaking free from oppressive structures in pursuit of true connection and self-expression.

Through her portrayal of Mrs. Archer, Regina Aquino brings a fresh perspective to "The Age of Innocence," inviting audiences to reflect on their own struggles with societal norms and the pursuit of happiness.

Tags: Regina Aquino, LGBTQ+, Theater, Diversity, Gilded Age