Despite the modern and usually controversial approach of some of its film and theater counterparts, Martir Sa Golgota, Tanghalang Sta.Ana's now Manila Mobile Theater depiction of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, sticks to tradition's something that they've been doing for the past 22 years.Manila Mobile Theater version adheres to the Pinoy format of the senakulo, with subliminal implications on the coming May elections.
"I believe that we have to insert some commentary, otherwise, Christ's death would have been in vain. So yearly, we have different themes. We have integrated topics on family, drugs, abortion, peace and order" explains the director, former Councilor Lou Veloso. But we're still trying to be as close to the traditional portrayal of the Passion as possible.” The music composed by Lou Veloso and arranged by award winning musical scorer Vincent de Jesus for Martir sa Golgota is also a big addition to senaculo play.
For Veloso, the birth of "Martir Sa Golgota" and of the Tanghalang Sta. Ana came as a form of a personal Cavalry 22 years ago. These two was a product of a persistant dream to put up a community theater in his area. For him, this project was a great means to introduce culture and the arts even to the people from Classes D and E, who, at normal circumstances, wouldn't have the means to watch a full- length play. "We've had more than a hundred members from all walks of life. We had drivers, teachers, mothers, out- of- school youth as members," recalls Veloso.
After the Tanghalang Sta. Ana's success in their initial production of "Martir sa Golgota" the theater group went on to create various productions, some of which were related to the Filipino Catholic rituals, such as the "Panunuluyan" The nine- day presentation mostly involved the poor residents of Sta. Ana as actors.
Tanghalang Sta. Ana likewise toured the community to stage productions tackling drugs, family life and the environment.
Veloso's dream of nurturing community theater in Sta. Ana leaped forward when he was first elected as a councilor in 1995. After a few years, Veloso was able to acquire a small portion in Plaza Hugo Sta. ana which became the Sta. Ana Arts Center .
"It was a nearly dilapidated bodega which we all cleaned with our own bare hands. We all helped one another. My dream to have a legitimate venue was finally realized and wanted Tanghalang Sta. Ana to become a professional group this year. The community theater is now called Manila Mobile Theater, now on its 23 years of mounting of this play is a dream comes true." relates Veloso.
With the success of his community theater and after nine years of being a councilor and additional three years, Veloso was able to convince the council to integrate art and culture in the academic curriculum. He believes that art develops one's skills.
Veloso also observes that the community theater serves as a good instrument where the youth can have something productive to keep them busy, thereby keeping them away from drugs and illegal activities not uncommon from depressed areas.
"I guess this success is one of the reasons why we're staging Martir sa Golgota," says Veloso. "For us working in this play, this serves as our annual religious offering. “We have upcoming plays for our members in Manila Mobile Theatre, Palanca Award winning plays will be our top of the list.” He added.
Movie actors Ariel Rivera, Christopher de Leon, Rez Cortez, Daniel Fernando, Rita Avila, Pinky Marquez,Tommy Abuel, Bodjie Pascua, Alma Conception, Ricky Davao, Carmi Martin, Ronnie Lazaro, Archi Adamos, Jao Mapa, Perry Escaño, Ernie Garcia and Yul Servo have at one time or another played major roles in the Lenten offering. Its first Jesus was former action actor Raymond Keanu.
This year television and film actor Migui Moreno will play as Jesus Christ for the first alternating Manila Mobile Theater resident actor Jojo Riguerra who played as Jesus Christ the Nazareth last year helping out celebrities include theater, television and award winning film actor Bembol Roco (Pontius Pilate), Bodgie Pascua (John the Baptist), Isabel Granada and Millette Africa (Virgin Mary), Andy Bais (San Miguel),Perry Escaño and Molts Menesses (Captain Abanader), Jojo Bolado and Al Gatmaitan (Judas),Dante Balois (Nicodemus), Abel Napuran and Tony Roma (Herod), Pamela hundana and Jeanette Quebalatin (Claudia), Arkin Da Silva (Peter), Richard Manabat(Annas),Joan Palisoc and Eizen Arana (Magdalene), and Ces Aldava (Caiphas) plus Archi Adamos (Berdugo).
Completing the cast are supporting actors Ronald Solidum (Flavius),Paul Sy (Hestas), Gina Villa,Trixie Dauz (Blind), Jonil Mortil (Mathew), Niesty Lompera (Thomas), Xeno Alejandro (Devil,) Mark Ador (Dimas),Tony Demiao (Barabbas) and the Manila Mobile Theater Actors company.
"The thought that they're presenting it in several communities for free, was enough motivation for the Opus Dei believer to look at the Lenten ritual in a whole new perspective, " said Veloso.
"Actually, some of the participants in this play are doing it as an offering. Seeing how passionate they are about the production, in a way, gives you drive to perfect your work." Veloso added.
"Martir Sa Golgota" by Manila Mobile Theater will be shown on April 5 at Plaza Hernandez Tondo, in front of Sto. Niño Church Tondo Manila under Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, April 6 Malabon City Hall, April 8, Plaza Hugo Sta. Ana Manila near the church and April 9 San Juan Plaza under Mayor J.V. Ejercito, All shows start at 7pm.
For inquiries on "Martir Sa Golgota" by Manila Mobile Theater and presenting it in your city or baranggay for free call 09178718511.
"I believe that we have to insert some commentary, otherwise, Christ's death would have been in vain. So yearly, we have different themes. We have integrated topics on family, drugs, abortion, peace and order" explains the director, former Councilor Lou Veloso. But we're still trying to be as close to the traditional portrayal of the Passion as possible.” The music composed by Lou Veloso and arranged by award winning musical scorer Vincent de Jesus for Martir sa Golgota is also a big addition to senaculo play.
For Veloso, the birth of "Martir Sa Golgota" and of the Tanghalang Sta. Ana came as a form of a personal Cavalry 22 years ago. These two was a product of a persistant dream to put up a community theater in his area. For him, this project was a great means to introduce culture and the arts even to the people from Classes D and E, who, at normal circumstances, wouldn't have the means to watch a full- length play. "We've had more than a hundred members from all walks of life. We had drivers, teachers, mothers, out- of- school youth as members," recalls Veloso.
After the Tanghalang Sta. Ana's success in their initial production of "Martir sa Golgota" the theater group went on to create various productions, some of which were related to the Filipino Catholic rituals, such as the "Panunuluyan" The nine- day presentation mostly involved the poor residents of Sta. Ana as actors.
Tanghalang Sta. Ana likewise toured the community to stage productions tackling drugs, family life and the environment.
Veloso's dream of nurturing community theater in Sta. Ana leaped forward when he was first elected as a councilor in 1995. After a few years, Veloso was able to acquire a small portion in Plaza Hugo Sta. ana which became the Sta. Ana Arts Center .
"It was a nearly dilapidated bodega which we all cleaned with our own bare hands. We all helped one another. My dream to have a legitimate venue was finally realized and wanted Tanghalang Sta. Ana to become a professional group this year. The community theater is now called Manila Mobile Theater, now on its 23 years of mounting of this play is a dream comes true." relates Veloso.
With the success of his community theater and after nine years of being a councilor and additional three years, Veloso was able to convince the council to integrate art and culture in the academic curriculum. He believes that art develops one's skills.
Veloso also observes that the community theater serves as a good instrument where the youth can have something productive to keep them busy, thereby keeping them away from drugs and illegal activities not uncommon from depressed areas.
"I guess this success is one of the reasons why we're staging Martir sa Golgota," says Veloso. "For us working in this play, this serves as our annual religious offering. “We have upcoming plays for our members in Manila Mobile Theatre, Palanca Award winning plays will be our top of the list.” He added.
Movie actors Ariel Rivera, Christopher de Leon, Rez Cortez, Daniel Fernando, Rita Avila, Pinky Marquez,Tommy Abuel, Bodjie Pascua, Alma Conception, Ricky Davao, Carmi Martin, Ronnie Lazaro, Archi Adamos, Jao Mapa, Perry Escaño, Ernie Garcia and Yul Servo have at one time or another played major roles in the Lenten offering. Its first Jesus was former action actor Raymond Keanu.
This year television and film actor Migui Moreno will play as Jesus Christ for the first alternating Manila Mobile Theater resident actor Jojo Riguerra who played as Jesus Christ the Nazareth last year helping out celebrities include theater, television and award winning film actor Bembol Roco (Pontius Pilate), Bodgie Pascua (John the Baptist), Isabel Granada and Millette Africa (Virgin Mary), Andy Bais (San Miguel),Perry Escaño and Molts Menesses (Captain Abanader), Jojo Bolado and Al Gatmaitan (Judas),Dante Balois (Nicodemus), Abel Napuran and Tony Roma (Herod), Pamela hundana and Jeanette Quebalatin (Claudia), Arkin Da Silva (Peter), Richard Manabat(Annas),Joan Palisoc and Eizen Arana (Magdalene), and Ces Aldava (Caiphas) plus Archi Adamos (Berdugo).
Completing the cast are supporting actors Ronald Solidum (Flavius),Paul Sy (Hestas), Gina Villa,Trixie Dauz (Blind), Jonil Mortil (Mathew), Niesty Lompera (Thomas), Xeno Alejandro (Devil,) Mark Ador (Dimas),Tony Demiao (Barabbas) and the Manila Mobile Theater Actors company.
"The thought that they're presenting it in several communities for free, was enough motivation for the Opus Dei believer to look at the Lenten ritual in a whole new perspective, " said Veloso.
"Actually, some of the participants in this play are doing it as an offering. Seeing how passionate they are about the production, in a way, gives you drive to perfect your work." Veloso added.
"Martir Sa Golgota" by Manila Mobile Theater will be shown on April 5 at Plaza Hernandez Tondo, in front of Sto. Niño Church Tondo Manila under Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, April 6 Malabon City Hall, April 8, Plaza Hugo Sta. Ana Manila near the church and April 9 San Juan Plaza under Mayor J.V. Ejercito, All shows start at 7pm.
For inquiries on "Martir Sa Golgota" by Manila Mobile Theater and presenting it in your city or baranggay for free call 09178718511.
