‘Sintang Dalisay’, Filipino Adaptation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Returns this February
Areté, Ateneo de Manila University’s creativity and innovation hub, together with Tanghalang Ateneo, the university’s longest-running theater company, is set to stage a rerun of Sintang Dalisay this February at the Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University. The production was last staged at the same venue in July 2024.
Sintang Dalisay is a Filipino adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, fusing the translation of National Artist Rolando S. Tinio with a 1904 poem by G.D. Roke. It is directed by the late Ricardo G. Abad, who had helmed the production since its premiere in 2011. For this latest staging, Guelan Varela-Luarca joins him as co-director.
Set in an imagined Muslim community in the Southern Philippines, Sintang Dalisay reimagines the story of the star-crossed lovers. Rashiddin and Jamila must navigate their secret love amidst the longstanding feud between their families, the Mustaphas and Kalimuddins. This adaptation combines Shakespeare’s tragedy with the Filipino spirit of festive love and enduring hope, brought to life through the Igal dance of the Sama-Bajau people and neo-ethnic and gamelan music.
This production is the second in Areté’s 2025 season, preceded by Varela-Luarca’s 3 Upuan. It is also part of Tanghalang Ateneo’s Eloquentia, Sapientia, Humanitas: The Ricky Season, a tribute to the late theater veteran. The company states, “This 2025 restaging is more than a performance; it is a tribute to Dr. Abad’s vision and his transformative contributions to Philippine theater, which continue to inspire generations.”
The cast features the return of Maliana Beran and Karl Borromeo as the star-crossed lovers, Jamila and Rashiddin. Joining them are an ensemble of members, alumni, and professional theater artists: Jerome Dawis, Fred Layno, James Reyes, Yani Lopez, Sophia Alba, Nicole Chua, Sachi Dris, Roldine Ebrada, Ian Beriña, Kaiser Cortina, Joaquin De Los Santos, Paul Felias, Philippe Reyes, Catherine Valentin, and Maxine Ventura.
Members of the Artistic Team include Ricardo G. Abad and Guelan Varela-Luarca (Direction), Sabrina Basilio (Dramaturgy), Matthew Santamaria (Choreography and Associate Direction), Brian Sy (Fight Choreography and Assistant Choreography), Jayson “Dyandi” Gildore (Music Design), Edru Abraham (Music Consultation), Salvador Bernal and Tata Tuviera (Production Design), D Cortezano (Lighting Design), John Robert Yam (Sound Design ), Pat Ong (Photography), and Zoë de Ocampo (Graphic Design).
Sintang Dalisay will run from February 14 to 23, 2025, with performances at 2:00 PM on February 15, 16, 22, and 23, and at 7:30 PM on February 14, 15, 21, 22, and 23.
Tickets are priced at P1,200 for the General Public and P600 for Ateneo de Manila University Community and faculty and students from partner schools for Orchestra seats. Balcony seats are P800 for the General Public and P600 for the Ateneo de Manila University Community and faculty and students from partner schools. They can be purchased online through the company’s Google Form.
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