There are two things I remember about watching theatre at the University of the Philippines. One was a Puppet Play by Teatrong Mulat founded and headed then by Prof Amelia Lapena Bonifacio. It was a mixture of shadow puppets, muppets and elements of the Noh play all in one afternoon. The other play was Taong Grasa by Anton Juan and the lead character was essayed by Lou Veloso. As I remember Taong Grasa was a One-Act and One Actor Play – A Monologue (With this I beg the indulgence of the readers if the theater term I use is incorrect) about a homeless man in the throes of hunger.
Now in the University most of the time you get to see the play because it is a requirement. The teacher would require the student to write a review or any other essay about the play. And its not bad, you get to see a play and more often it is interesting.
Watching theatre is different from watching film or teleplays. Shakespeare’s work are best seen as plays and the Alberto Florentino’s play Oli Impan is best viewed on stage. Looking now I am glad that we were “required” to watch.
Then again I probably would have watched it anyway after watching the musical Sound of Music and Chekov’s The Boor adapted into Tagalog and playing to an audience of three. Or watching Nick Joaquin’s A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino: An Elegy in Three Scenes. Or the play depicting the slaying Mac-Ling Dulag played by Peta in the ruins of Fort Santiago. But those were ages ago and another set of stories.
So why watch plays and musicals ?
It is a different experience from film and tv.
It is drama, comedy, and action up close: It is the real 3D experience.
It expands your experience and like anything one meet it enhances.
It entertains as well 🙂
Anyway this long introduction leads us to this recent opportunity to watch a play. It is not required but based on what has been said about it – the musical under the direction and choreography of Dexter M. Santos and original music by Carol Bello was reviewed by critics as the best musical of 2008 and received nomination for Best Musical Production and Best Stage Director by the 21st Aliw Awards –
The story is about man and his lust and pursuit of power. The Musical is Francisco Baltazar’s Orosman and Zafira. It will be the opening – so to speak of the Dulaang UP 35th Theatre Season.
It should be interesting to watch.
FRANCISCO BALTAZAR’S OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA
Theatre Dates: August 11 to 29 (Wednesdays to Fridays at 7pm and at 10am and 3pm during weekends)
Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, UP Diliman, Quezon CityDirection and Choreography: Dexter M. Santos
Music by: Carol Bello
Cast: Delphine Buencamino, Tasy Garrucha, Jay Gonzaga, Joel Molina, Reuben Uy, Jean Judith Javier, Tao Aves, Roeder Camanag, Nazer Salcedo, Kevin Concepcion, Gabs Santos, Acey Aguilar, JM De Guzman, Jacinta Remulla, Natasha Cabrera, Neil Ericsson Tolentino, Ronnie Martinez and the Dulaang UP Ensemble.
Artistic Team: Production Designer Tuxqs Rutaquio; Lights Designer John Ilao Batalla; Dramaturges Anril Tiatco, Katte Sabate and Pat Valera; Accessories Designer Paolo Rodriguez; Photographer Jojit Lorenzo; Assistant Director Mara Marasigan, Associate Choreographer Via Antonio and Assistant Musical Director Irish Pangilinan
Staged by Dulaang UPFor tickets, please contact Cherry at 09177500107, or the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.
PLAYDATES
First Week
Aug.11, 2010 Wednesday 7:00 pm
Aug.12, 2010 Thursday 7:00 pm
Aug.13, 2010 Friday 7:00 pm
Aug 14, 2010 Saturday 10:00 am
Saturday 3:00 pm
Aug. 15, 2010 Sunday 10:00 am
Sunday 3:00 pm
Second Week
Aug.18, 2010 Wednesday 7:00 pm
Aug.19, 2010 Thursday 7:00 pm
Aug. 20, 2010 Friday 7:00 pm
Aug. 21, 2010 Saturday 10:00 am
Saturday 3:00 pm
Aug. 22, 2008 Sunday 10:00 am
Sunday 3:00 pm
Third Week
Aug. 25, 2010 Wednesday 7:00 pm
Aug. 26, 2010 Thursday 7:00 pm
Aug. 27, 2010 Friday 7:00 pm
Aug. 28, 2010 Saturday 10:00 am
Saturday 3:00 pm
Aug. 29, 2010 Sunday 10:00 am
Sunday 3:00pm
