PETA’s “Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto”
Leloi Arcete
The election is not a laughing matter, but it could be comedic! As its last offering for its 42nd Theater Season, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto, a musical comedy written by renowned and multi-awarded composer, lyricist, and musical director, Vincent A. De Jesus with additional scenes by Liza Magototo and Anj Heruela.
The play is set in the imaginary island of Isla Filiminimon. Following the chronology of the election process, the plot presents various iconic characters of the Philippine society. There is Juan Tamad, a young first time voter, who in is his ‘laziness’ and decision to be ‘uninvolved’ tried to find reasons not to vote and participate in the Filimini elections. The Diyablo, acting out as the narrator of the play, further discourages Juan Tamad. He stresses the hassles of registering and voting: “Ang layo ng Presinto Kuweba JT. Napakalayo. Two blocks away” (points to the nearest precinct), “Parang perya ang eleksyon!” while his choir acts out his essays and narration in vaudeville style. In contrast to the Diyablo, is Juan’s Lola Anitan, the former kapitana, who pushes Juan to be involved.
Other characters in the play are the candidates for the 2010 Pinuno ng Bayan: Bernardo Bungisnis, the two-time senator and former alkade mayor; Mariang Batibat, tv journalist, activist and environmentalist; Elsa Mananambal, a manghihilot, midwife and albularyo who speaks in sign-language; and Sigben Pugot, a young and dashing congressman. Each candidate advertises their platforms and agenda through a series of hilarious song and dance accompanied by tacky campaign jingles.
Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto, directed by Phil M. Noble, also features a fine mix of veteran actors and a crew of young and talented guest performers—Robert Seña, Vincent A. DeJesus, Marvin Ong, Victor Robinson, Carlon Matobato, Marc Baluyan, Dudz Teraña, Roven Ramos, Joel Molina, John Eric Permejo, Lotlot Bustamante, Nicole Manulo, Joann Co, Meann Espinosa, Via Antonio and Sheenly Gener.
The play goes onstage at the PETA-Phinma Theater on all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning February 5 until March 7, 2010. The PETA Theater Center is located at #5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. Tickets are at P300 each.
For details and other inquiries, call the PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 725-6244, 410-0821, mobile numbers 0917-8044428, email petampro@yahoo.com Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
Leloi Arcete
The election is not a laughing matter, but it could be comedic! As its last offering for its 42nd Theater Season, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto, a musical comedy written by renowned and multi-awarded composer, lyricist, and musical director, Vincent A. De Jesus with additional scenes by Liza Magototo and Anj Heruela.
The play is set in the imaginary island of Isla Filiminimon. Following the chronology of the election process, the plot presents various iconic characters of the Philippine society. There is Juan Tamad, a young first time voter, who in is his ‘laziness’ and decision to be ‘uninvolved’ tried to find reasons not to vote and participate in the Filimini elections. The Diyablo, acting out as the narrator of the play, further discourages Juan Tamad. He stresses the hassles of registering and voting: “Ang layo ng Presinto Kuweba JT. Napakalayo. Two blocks away” (points to the nearest precinct), “Parang perya ang eleksyon!” while his choir acts out his essays and narration in vaudeville style. In contrast to the Diyablo, is Juan’s Lola Anitan, the former kapitana, who pushes Juan to be involved.
Other characters in the play are the candidates for the 2010 Pinuno ng Bayan: Bernardo Bungisnis, the two-time senator and former alkade mayor; Mariang Batibat, tv journalist, activist and environmentalist; Elsa Mananambal, a manghihilot, midwife and albularyo who speaks in sign-language; and Sigben Pugot, a young and dashing congressman. Each candidate advertises their platforms and agenda through a series of hilarious song and dance accompanied by tacky campaign jingles.
Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto, directed by Phil M. Noble, also features a fine mix of veteran actors and a crew of young and talented guest performers—Robert Seña, Vincent A. DeJesus, Marvin Ong, Victor Robinson, Carlon Matobato, Marc Baluyan, Dudz Teraña, Roven Ramos, Joel Molina, John Eric Permejo, Lotlot Bustamante, Nicole Manulo, Joann Co, Meann Espinosa, Via Antonio and Sheenly Gener.
The play goes onstage at the PETA-Phinma Theater on all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning February 5 until March 7, 2010. The PETA Theater Center is located at #5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. Tickets are at P300 each.
For details and other inquiries, call the PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 725-6244, 410-0821, mobile numbers 0917-8044428, email petampro@yahoo.com Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
