‘Kisapmata’, ‘Sandosenang Sapatos’, ‘Balete’ Part of Tanghalang Pilipino’s 38th Season Line-up
Tanghalang Pilipino’s (TP) 38th season centers around the theme of revolt, both in its radical meaning, to rebel for change or transformation, and its original meaning, to roll back, or the reversal to a prior bond of loyalty, of love.
TP is taking REVOLT and literally reversing its spelling to TLOVER, highlighting the four-letter word LOVE, which embodies the original mission of the theater company. In a press release, the company states, “TP will continue to REVOLT against existing evil forces that have destroyed, and are continuously destroying, the innate HUMAN GOODNESS, COMPASSION, and LOVE for fellow human beings. TP will continue to REVOLT for HUMAN RIGHTS, JUSTICE, LOVE, and PEACE in our country and the world.”
“We thus enjoin fellow artists, art educators, cultural workers, and all our patrons and supporters to unite in spearheading a sustained movement towards genuine NATIONAL UNITY and a call for PEACE and GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING.”
BALETE
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Their season begins with Balete, a play based on the novel Tree, written by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose.
Tanghalang Pilipino’s Balete is a stage adaptation, created in collaboration with the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, that tells the story of a young boy navigating life in a small Ilokano town.
Surrounded by friends from different social classes, loyal servants who have devoted their lives to his family, and relatives with deep-rooted expectations, the boy grapples with the challenges of growing up in a divided society where class distinctions shape identities and destinies. As he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, he finds himself at odds with the entrenched power structures that dictate the lives of those around him.
The adaptation is written by Rody Vera and directed by Chris Millado. Joining them are Delphine Buencamino (assistant direction and movement direction), Teresa Barrozo (music arrangement and sound design), Wika Nadera (set design), Carlos Siongco (costume design), Jana Jimenez (projection design), Roman Cruz (lighting design), and Sabrina Basilio (dramaturgy).
The cast features Nonie Buencamino, Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, Toni Go-Yadao, Gelo Molina, Earvin Estioco, and Ynna Rafa.
Balete will run from September 13 to October 6, Fridays to Sundays, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Tickets can be reserved through Tanghalang Pilipino’s Google Form.
SANDOSENANG SAPATOS
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Sandosenang Sapatos, which was a part of TP’s 37th season, is set to return this November. Based on the short story of the same name by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, Sandosenang Sapatos is a musical that follows the journey of a child who wishes to fulfill her shoemaker father’s dream of having a ballerina for a daughter. Unfortunately, the child was born without feet.
Each year, on her birthday, the child enters the world of enchanting shoes, where the Shoe Fairy gives her a pair of feet, allowing her to dance to her heart’s desire. However, every time she leaves the enchanting world, she loses her feet and faces her father’s disappointment. It takes a tragedy for her to truly understand the depths of her father’s love.
Returning to the cast are Felicity Kyle Napuli and Wincess Jem Yana as Susie, Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Nanay, Mica Fajardo as Ate Karina, Marynor Madamesila as Diwata, Mark Lorenz as One Year Old, Francis Gatmaytan as Three Years Old, Natasha Cabrera as Yellowy, Lance Soliman as Red, Bea Remollo as Maong, Patricia Rolda as Sequins, Sarah Monay as Whitey, and Paula Espinola as Ballerina. MC Dela Cruz, who previously played Bluey, will now be playing the role of Sandals.
Joining the cast are Gie Onida as Tatay, Murline Uddin as Two Years Old, Heber O’Hara as Bluey, and Gelo Molina as Pinky.
With stage adaptation by Layeta Bucoy, Jonathan Tadioan returns to direct the production with the same creative team intact– Music by Joed Balsamo (who also serves as musical director and arranger) and Noel Cabangon (music), Choreography by Stephen Viñas, Production Design by Marco Viaña and Paw Castillo, Lighting Design by Gabo Tolentino, and Sound Design by TJ Ramos. Musicians are Tyrone Mateos (pianist), RJ Alfafara (percussionist), and Jordan Amaca (guitarist).
Sandosenang Sapatos will run from November 15 to December 8, Fridays to Sundays, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Tickets can be reserved through Tanghalang Pilipino’s Google Form.
KISAPMATA
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Kisapmata is a theatrical adaptation of the film by Mike de Leon, which is based on National Artist Nick Joaquin’s crime report titled The House on Zapote Street.
Once upon a time, a retired policeman, his wife, and his daughter, lived inside a house in Zapote Street – A haven of domestic bliss, a home of love and order, and a portrait of the perfect Filipino family. Until one day, the daughter falls in love with a man. Suddenly, the home is under threat. The world is not safe. The Filipino family must be defended, at all costs. Tatay knows best. Trust in Tatay. Trust no one else.
The play is adapted and directed by Guelan Varela-Luarca with the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company. They are joined by Rafa Jimenez and Katrina Batara (assistant direction), Jerry Respeto (dramaturgy), JM Cabling (movement direction), Joey Mendoza (set design), Bonsai Cielo (costume design), Arvy Dimaculangan (sound design and engineer), and D Cortezano (lighting design and technical direction).
It will feature performances from the senior members of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company — Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, and Toni Go-Yadao.
Kisapmata will run from March 7, 2025 to March 30, 2025, Fridays to Sundays, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Tickets can be reserved through Tanghalang Pilipino’s Google Form.
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