Control + Shift, PETA’s Changing Narratives Lab Stages New Works, Restagings, and More
PETA and PETA Lingap Sining, the company’s advocacy arm, have tied up to launch Control + Shift: Changing Narratives, Reclaiming and Reshaping Stories of the Filipino People, an advocacy project that features 8 new works, devised performances, and a restaging of Kumprontasyon.
PETA artists, together with creative partners and collaborators, have created fresh works that hope to provoke curiosity, spark conversations, challenge assumptions, interrogate, and transform the toxic narratives and harmful depictions that hold society back.
The line-up includes:
Zoe Damag, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola, and Gold Villar-Lim’s “Momsilogues,” directed by Gold Villar-Lim. Single mom foodie vloggers collaborate on an interactive vlog about tapsilog, uncovering a savory journey of career, love, and motherhood. The cast features Kitsi Pagaspas, Julia Enriquez, and Pia Viola.
Sabrina Basillo’s “Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z,” directed by Norbs Portales. A journalist interviews two recovering “halimaw” about their reintegration into society and discovers a shocking revelation that could alter humanity’s destiny forever. This play explores the construction of monster myths and their impact on young Filipinos’ mental and social well-being. The cast features Felicity Kyle Napuli, Sabrina Basilio, Kiki Baento, Nicole Manlulo, Donn Boco, Jason Barcial and Ada Tayao.
“Albularyo,” direction, concept, and choreography by Carlon Matobato, dramaturgy by Ian Segarra. A movement performance that journeys into the world of Filipino folk healing of the ills of our body and our nation. The cast features Carlon Matobato, Noelle Polack, Ekis Gimenez, Mico Esquivel, Jon Abella, Carlos Deriaga, and Raflesia Bravo.
Mixkaela Villalon’s “Children of the Algo,” directed by John Moran. Gen Z content creators hide their deeper realities while navigating the digital age with wit and vulnerability, challenging viewers to see beyond the algorithm. The cast features Ado Villanueva, Mika Nitro, Jan Magcaling, and James Pe Lim.
Dominique La Victoria’s “Kislap at Fuego,” directed by Maribel Legarda and J-mee Katanyag, Filipino translation by Gentle Mapagu. An unexpected fairytale between a Kapre and a country girl, set amidst the Philippine Revolution against Spain. This play explores how to reshape the way we talk about love, rebirth, and revolution. The cast features Kim Molina, Jerald Napoles, Ekis Gimenez, and Mikaundre Gozum Santos.
Liza Magtoto’s “/” (Slash), directed by Meann Espinosa. When an influencer’s best friend is “canceled,” her seemingly neutral stance is put to a test. As these two friends grapple with the idea of re-entering the industry, Xendy (the influencer) tries to balance loyalty, righteousness and branding. The cast features Yeyin Dela Cruz, Jon Abella, and Ash Nicanor.
“Ang Parangal,” direction & concept by Eric dela Cruz, adaptation & co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario. In this adaptation of Miloš Forman’s 1967 comedy film, The Fireman’s Ball, a group of barangay tanod organizes a community celebration in tribute for their retired barangay captain but crumbles in the face of their dire ineptitude. Spectacles and good intentions are not enough to make up for incompetence in governance. The cast features Kiki Baento, Gerard Dy, Csai Habla, Ayla Garcia, Julio Garcia, Roi Calilong, Gie Onida, Kabaitan Bautista, Serena Magiliw, Wilfredo Casero, and Jesus Evardone.
Glecy Atienza’s “Nakatala Sa Tubig” (Staged Reading), in collaboration with Anthony Cruz & Bobet Mendoza. A performance discourse on water and the lives and roles of women in times of war.
Kyle Saldonido’s “Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?” a devised performance by Umalohokan, Inc., directed by Kovi Billones with directing guidance from Ian Segarra. The residents of Barangay Pinapili woke up in an obscure playground. To leave, they must beat a series of childhood games, each with a dark twist. The cast features Rem Tenael, Dan Onte, Seph Curbilla, Jessie Huyo-a, Jefferson Macaraig, King Nalupa, Meg Guiang, Wes Balingit, Raj Jabolin, and Steff Periodico.
Melvin Lee’s “KUMPRONTASYON” This production, which boasts three plays: Allan Palileo’s “Lakambini,” Guelan Luarca’s “The Impossible Dream,” and Joshua Lim So’s “A Color for Tomorrow,” uses theater as a platform for difficult but necessary conversations on unresolved historical and political events. The cast features Sherry Lara, Teroy Guzman, Romnick Sarmenta, Ron Capinding, Missy Maramara, Adrienne Vergara, Gillian Vicencio, Eric Dela Cruz, and Carlon Matobato.
The company says that it aims to pursue the thrust of narrative change over the next two years. As for Control + Shift, they hope to do another restaging of the works, if not all, some, within the year.
CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives will run at the PETA Theater Center from January 12-14, 19-21, 2024. For more information and for ticket reservations, go to tinyurl.com/PETAControlShift.
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