6 University, Community-Based, and Independent Productions this September 2019
Plays, original works, a musical, and a dance concert are a few of the things that you can catch from our university, community-based and independent productions this September.
1. The House of Bernarda Alba or La Casa de Bernarda Alba by Dulaang UP
Director Alexander Cortez and Daisy Lopez translate Federico Garcia Lorca’s last play in Filipino and English respectively. “La Casa de Bernarda Alba” or “The House of Bernarda Alba” centers on the events inside the house of Bernarda Alba, a domineering matriarch who imposes an eight-year mourning period on her household after her second husband’s death in accordance with her family’s tradition. Bernarda has five daughters aged between 20 to 39, whom she has controlled inexorably and forbids them from any form of relationship. The mourning period further isolates the family and builds the tension within the household as the daughters rival against each other on marriage, inheritance and command.
Frances Makil-Ignacio and Gigi Escalante alternate as Bernarda Alba. The show also features Stella Cañete Mendoza, Sheryll Ceasico, Rica Nepomuceno, Felipe Ronnie Martinez, Paulina Maxine Ignacio, Mariella Laurel, Sarina Sasaki, Opaline Santos, Liway Gabo, Gel Basa, Iris Montesclaros, Mikaella Coruña, Camille Abaya, Jacqueline Amper, Lei Ann Oro Quinquilleria, Bea Racoma, Ani Africa, Jeremy Bravo Cabansag, Ana Isabela Lumain, Marjeorie Peleño, and Marga Lugue.
The play is running from September 6-29 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater of UP Diliman. It will be performed in English for the first week, Filipino for the second week, and will have alternating for the third and fourth week. Other members of the creative team include Judy Ick (dramaturg), Gino Gonzales (production design), Meliton Roxas Jr. (lights design)), Jethro Joaquin (sound design), Katz Trangco (music), JM Cabling (movement design), Jojit Lorenzo (photography), and Steven Tansiongco (graphics design).
Tickets are priced at P500. For inquiries, contact Nicodemus B. Varona at 09175198879.
2. The Theory of Relativity by Ateneo blueREP
Created by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill, “The Theory of Relativity” is an uplifting song cycle that touches on the value of shared communities while portraying the universality of human connection amidst a variation of songs and monologues. As a fresh take on themes revolving around finding love, adolescent pressure, sexuality, and identity, the production showcases a “compelling array of characters experiencing the joys and heartbreaks, the liaisons and losses, the inevitability and the wonder of human connection.”
The production will be helmed by Pineapple Lab’s Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan as director (Sa Wakas – A Pinoy Rock Musical, Lungs), Abi Sulit (Rak of Aegis, Sa Wakas – A Pinoy Rock Musical, Spring Awakening) as musical director, Ricardo Magno (Tanghalang Ateneo’s Alpha Kappa Omega, Panta Rhei) as movement director, Jodinand Aguillon (Lungs) as set designer, and Miyo Sta. Maria (Spring Awakening) as lighting designer. Working hand-in-hand with these professionals is a cast and crew comprised of university students from Ateneo.
“The Theory of Relativity” will be running from September 12-29 at the Fine Arts Annex Black Box Theater of Ateneo de Manila University.
3. Bombita by Ateneo Entablado
Sa isang isla ng Panay, matatagpuan ang mga turuang kawal ng Hukbong Himpapawid 315 Defense Center: Si SUACO, Feliciano AM, TARONA, Cecilio AM, BOMBITA, Salvador AM, De LARA, Gerardo, Jr. AM, at si JUMAO-AS, Nestor AM. Bago sila maging ganap na kawal, inatasan sila ng kanilang kumandante sa isang misyon: alagaan at ipadala ang lihim na kagamitan. Limit sa kanilang kaalaman, ang kanilang paglalakbay ay isang panlilinlang ng kanilang mga upperclassmen. Sa mga engkuwentro nila sa iba’t ibang mga mamamayan ng Panay, may mahalagang mapagtatanto si Bombita sa kanilang kalagayan bilang mga turuang kawal.
Written by Tony Perez and directed by Danie Del Rosario, “Bombita” will run from September 25-28 and October 2-5, 9-12 at the Rizal Mini Theater of Ateneo de Manila University.
4. Inside Out by Marge Enriquez
“Inside Out” is a one-woman dance concert performed by Marge Enriquez, inspired by the book of the same title. The book is a compilation of lectures of yogini Dadi Janki, who was touted by scientists as having the World’s Most Stable Mind.
In 1978, the Medical and Science Research Institute at the University of Texas conducted a study on the brain activity of people who meditated. Dadi Janki’s results showed that while performing actions, lecturing and doing math, her brain waves recorded delta, a state equivalent to deep sleep and regeneration.
“Inside Out” will be held on Sept. 10, 7:30 pm at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza. It is directed by Bong Cabrera and choreographed by Kris-Belle Paclibar. For details, contact 890-7960 or 0917-9803541.
5. Ang Apologia ni Sokrates by the Ateneo Philosophy Department
The Ateneo Philosophy Department’s “Ang Apologia ni Sokrates” returns to the Doreen Black Box, Arete of Ateneo de Manila University this September.
The play brings to stage the classic text in European Philosophy, written by Plato and translated from the original Greek by Roque J. Ferriols, SJ. Accused of corrupting the youth, Socrates delivers an “apologia” or defense against false accusations. The 70-year old philosopher knew the tragic fate of those who questioned authority. Envisaged as Interactive Theater, the production will give the illusion that the audience are being taught by Socrates himself.
Philosophy teacher Jovi Miroy directs the play, while Ron Capinding essays the role of Socrates. The cast also includes actors from the other units of the ADMU Community– Soc de los Reyes, Amber Hao, Vino Mabalot, Barth Mariquit, Viola Nuñez and Bok Pioquid.
Other members of the artistic team include Tata Tuviera (costume design), Itos Ledesma (sound direction), and D Cortezano (lighting design).
‘Ang Apologia ni Sokrates’ will run on September 6 (2pm), 19 (3pm and 7pm), 20 (10am and 2pm), 26 (10am and 2pm), and 27 (10am and 2pm).
6. Dalaga: Mula sa Mga Orihinal na Katha by Teatro Marikeño
Community-based theater and dance company Teatro Marikeño will staging “Dalaga” featuring four original plays from the organization– “Stage Two” by Dareld Armandico, “Pusang Ina” by Liezel Elaran, and “Deboto”, and “Breaded Pork Chop” by Kevin John Reyes.
The show will be held on September 29 (4pm, 6pm, 8pm) at DITO: Bahay ng Sining, Marikina City. For ticket inquiries, contact 0930-1098952 or 0917-4841811.
