PAGSAMBANG BAYAN
written by Bonifacio P. Ilagan
directed by Behn Cervantes
February 28, 2009
4:00 pm and 6:30 pm
Emilio Aguinaldo College
(Audio-Visual Room)
Congressional Road, Burol 1, Dasmariñas, Cavite
"Pagsambang Bayan" is acclaimed as the first play during martial law that challenged the military regime in a way that no theater piece had dared to do. Against all odds, it tackled issues that were forbidden to be talked about, such as the killing of freedom and democracy, wanton violations of human rights and loss of human dignity, government corruption and the insatiable greed of those who are in power.
Written by Bonifacio P. Ilagan right after his detention, "Pagsambang Bayan" won in the 1976 Palihang Aurelio V. Tolentino. It was first directed by Leo Rimando and performed in Hongkong. The original Philippine performances were directed by Behn Cervantes for the UP Repertory Company. Other productions were done outside Metro Manila. Until 1984, it had chalked up more than 100 performances by various theater groups.
In the book Tuklas-Sining (Cultural Center of the Philippines, 1991), Dr. Nicanor Tiongson observed that "Pagsambang Bayan" gave a new meaning to the Christian mass, which is the oldest of all traditional dramas in the Philippines.
And mass it is that springs to life in the play that is structured according to the order of worship of the Christian liturgy. But while hewing closely to the traditional mass, the characters in "Pagsambang Bayan" boldly speak out and raise issues, and thus force the action. The rituals of the mass are played out but lead to many twists, the most daring of which is when the Priest/Pastor is divested of his gala attire, even his sandals, and handed a working towel and a peasant bolo. It is symbolic of the Christian church's acceptance of the ultimate social challenge and oneness with the people in their struggle for a just and humane society.
Today, 32 years after "Pagsambang Bayan" was first produced -- it was remounted in 1981 and 1984, it is again being restaged. Ilagan and Cervantes again team up to lend a classic play a new treatment in the 2009 production by the Tag-ani Performing Arts Society. The play has been anthologized in various books here and abroad. It is featured in the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art as a major work in Philippine theater and as an example of an art form made relevant by the crisis of society.
Unique theater form, bold content. This is a must-see play.
For more questions and ticket sales, e-mail Lino - abubot_214@yahoo.com.
written by Bonifacio P. Ilagan
directed by Behn Cervantes
February 28, 2009
4:00 pm and 6:30 pm
Emilio Aguinaldo College
(Audio-Visual Room)
Congressional Road, Burol 1, Dasmariñas, Cavite
"Pagsambang Bayan" is acclaimed as the first play during martial law that challenged the military regime in a way that no theater piece had dared to do. Against all odds, it tackled issues that were forbidden to be talked about, such as the killing of freedom and democracy, wanton violations of human rights and loss of human dignity, government corruption and the insatiable greed of those who are in power.
Written by Bonifacio P. Ilagan right after his detention, "Pagsambang Bayan" won in the 1976 Palihang Aurelio V. Tolentino. It was first directed by Leo Rimando and performed in Hongkong. The original Philippine performances were directed by Behn Cervantes for the UP Repertory Company. Other productions were done outside Metro Manila. Until 1984, it had chalked up more than 100 performances by various theater groups.
In the book Tuklas-Sining (Cultural Center of the Philippines, 1991), Dr. Nicanor Tiongson observed that "Pagsambang Bayan" gave a new meaning to the Christian mass, which is the oldest of all traditional dramas in the Philippines.
And mass it is that springs to life in the play that is structured according to the order of worship of the Christian liturgy. But while hewing closely to the traditional mass, the characters in "Pagsambang Bayan" boldly speak out and raise issues, and thus force the action. The rituals of the mass are played out but lead to many twists, the most daring of which is when the Priest/Pastor is divested of his gala attire, even his sandals, and handed a working towel and a peasant bolo. It is symbolic of the Christian church's acceptance of the ultimate social challenge and oneness with the people in their struggle for a just and humane society.
Today, 32 years after "Pagsambang Bayan" was first produced -- it was remounted in 1981 and 1984, it is again being restaged. Ilagan and Cervantes again team up to lend a classic play a new treatment in the 2009 production by the Tag-ani Performing Arts Society. The play has been anthologized in various books here and abroad. It is featured in the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art as a major work in Philippine theater and as an example of an art form made relevant by the crisis of society.
Unique theater form, bold content. This is a must-see play.
For more questions and ticket sales, e-mail Lino - abubot_214@yahoo.com.
