‘Nihil Timendum Est’ One-Act Play Confronts Fraternity Violence
Tabsing Kolektib PH’s Nihil Timendum Est, latin for Fear Nothing, is an exploration of grief, justice, and the insidious tradition of fraternity violence.
Set on the eve of Bar passers’ oath-taking ceremony, it delves into the raw and heart-wrenching memories of a father and a girlfriend who have lost a son and a lover to the brutal practice of hazing. As they recount the horrifying discovery of his lifeless body and their subsequent battle for justice, the play becomes an indictment of the toxic culture masquerading as brotherhood. The production aims to expose the devastating human toll of systemic violence, urging for change and the end of senseless rituals that claim young lives.
First staged at Pista nin Teatrong Bikolnon 2024 in Legazpi, Albay, this one-act play is part of Eljay Castro Deldoc’s collection of “dulamhati,” which pertains to
dramas drawn from the testimonies of those who have endured trauma. This piece is based on the narratives of the parents of UST Law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo, a hazing victim.
The cast features performances by Drew Espenocilla, Io Frenzy Bautista, Ivon Abarnas, and Jett Gutlay.
The artistic team is composed of Eljay Castro Deldoc as playwright and director, Jessie Porcalla as production manager, Chase Gicaro as set and costume designer, Christian Mark Bernas as puppetry head and technical director, Liana Golimlim as lighting designer, Lorens Grieta and Ruzzi Gabelo as stage managers, Janjan Mohametano as dramaturg, Drew Espenocilla as graphic designer, Nayr De Luna as sound designer, Zyrill Arisga and Aljo Alunan as backstage staff, Carol Tee and Sangguniang Kabataan of Brgy. Zone 5 as production staff, and Sydney Gabelo as photographer.
The team has been mentored by Sig Pecho (puppetry), Gabo Tolentino (lighting), and Carlo Pagunaling (production design).
The show will run on November 7 at 7 p.m., and on November 8 to 10 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. at the Caree Hotel Function Hall Zone 2 in Bulan, Sorsogon. For inquiries, contact Jessie Porcalla at 0964-572-0054. The group is also accepting ticket sponsorships for students.
Established in 2012 (previously based in UPLB and Manila), Tabsing Kolektib PH’s vision is to be a significant independent theater company which is composed of skilled practitioners committed in promoting theater arts as an essential and sustainable tool to influence societal awareness, holistic growth for the youth, and artistic development among people. Now based in Bulan, Sorsogon, the group aims to take part in the flourishing contemporary theater scene of the Bicol Region.
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