PHILIPPINE ARTS FESTIVAL 2012: UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE-BASED THEATER GROUPS STORM CENTERSTAGE

Philippine Arts Festival 2012: University and College-based Theatre Groups Storm Centerstage
1.18.2011

Once again, the best university and college-based theater groups in the country will come together to showcase their creativity and prowess in Tanghal 6, to be held in four venues, namely: Baguio City (Luzon), Dumaguete City (Visayas), General Santos City (Mindanao) and the National Capitol Region.

A project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ National Committee on Dramatic Arts (NCCA-NCDA) headed by Dr. lutgardo Labad, Tanghal 6 is part of the month-long Philippine Arts Festival (PAF) happening in February.

Tanghal 6 will bring together the best and emerging university and college-based theater groups for performances, inter-regional exchanges, audience dialogues, workshops and forums and exhibits. It will feature community-based theater groups which have partnership programs with higher educational institutions.

With the theme “Tradition and Innovation,” this year’s PAF will emphasize traditional art forms and genres as well as contemporary ones. The launching is set at the Rizal Park with a fiesta atmosphere highlighted by a kite-making workshop and kite flying, as well as sumptuous samplings of the seven arts. Closing the PAF is the Ani ng Dangal awarding ceremony as well as the recognition of contemporary artists for their contributions.

Popular television and film icons Boy Abunda and Dingdong Dantes lent their stellar power for the 2011 festival as NCCA Art and Youth Ambassador, respectively. For 2012, they will be joined by Piolo Pascual as NCCA Culture Ambassador in the popularization of the festival and Shamcey Supsup as Ambassador for Architecture and Allied Arts.

PAF is held every February in celebration of the National Arts Month in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 683 signed in 1991. The NCCA’s seven committees under the Subcommission on the Arts have flagship projects for the month-long festival. The NCCA is led by its chairman Felipe de Leon Jr. and OIC-executive director Adelina Suemith.

http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca/press-releases/press-release.php?i=119

SINO KA BA JOSE RIZAL?

Tony Espejo, Artistic Director of Gantimpala Theater announces, “Our 34th season’s first touring production is Sino Ka Ba Jose Rizal?.

Tony Espejo, Artistic Director of Gantimpala Theater announces, “Our 34th season’s first touring production is Sino Ka Ba Jose Rizal? We are producing this in cooperation with Musical Theater Philippines. Gerald Santos and RJ Jimenez will alternately portray the role of our national hero.”

TV actress Kathleen Hermosa essays the role of Josephine Bracken while theater newbie Ellrica Laguardia plays Leonor Rivera. Playing the elder brother Paciano is veteran theater actor Ronald Concepcion. Comedienne and singer Kakai Bautista portrays Neneng, Rizal’s sister and O-sei-san, the Japanese girlfriend.

Assisting Espejo to realize the life of our national hero are Nonoy Gallardo (book, music and libretto); Gean Allain de Leon (associate director); Joey Nombres (lights designer); Eric Cruz (set designer); Raul Nepomuceno Jr. (choreographer); Agnes Barredo (vocal coach); April Anne Dolot (stage manager) and Del Cayetano (production manager).

For more information, call the Gantimpala Theater Office at (63 2) 899-5911, (63 2) 998-5622 or visit www.gantimpalatheater.multiply.com or www.facebook.com/gantimpala.

Friday October 14, 2011

- 10:00 AM

- 2:00 PM

Saturday October 15, 2011

- 10:00 AM

- 2:00 PM

TANGHALIN ANG TANGHALAN: 1ST NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THEATER AESTHETICS

The Tanghalin ang Tanghalan: 1st National Conference on Theater Aesthetics will be on September 28-29, 2011 at the Silangan Hall, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila through the assistance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Teatro Sambisig Inc.

The conference aims to provide a venue for sharing and critical discussion among theatre artists and scholars. The conference highlights include a presentation of research results of the Tanghalan: A Preliminary Survey and Research on Regional Theater Aesthetics and a sharing-discussion which we hope to generate among theatre scholars, artists and students. The conference hopes to develop critical lenses in appreciating the richness and diversity of theatre work through the inputs of participating theatre practitioners. Proceedings of the conference will be developed as resource materials for theater artists, teachers and students.

Share in the discussion with theatre artists from different regions! Guest speakers include Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, Dr. Leoncio Deriada, Dr. Prospero Covar, Dr. Priscelina Legasto, Dr. Lulu Torres-Reyes, Dr. Orlando Magno, Mr. Nestor Horfilla, Mr. Lutgardo Labad, Prof. Jerry Respeto, Mr. Roberto Mendoza, Mr. Manny Pambid and other luminaries in cultural research. During the conference, regional research findings will be presented and validated through a critique and validation process by the speakers and the delegates. Through critical inputs and feedback, there’s a hope to come up with approaches in appreciating current practices in theatre work.

Interested parties are requested to register through email at tanghalinangtanghalan@yahoo.com or text (63 919) 216-0440, (63 917) 328-2582 or (63 933) 252-5662. A conference fee of P800.00 will be charged to cover meals for two days and a conference CD kit. Observers are also welcome to listen to the discussion.

Contact Details:
For questions, please contact BJ Borja (Publicity/Promotions Officer) through email: bjborja@gmail.com.

TANGHALANG PILIPINO CONTINUES ITS SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH TATLONG TABING: THREE PLAYS BY TONY PEREZ

After the rousing success of Noli Me Tangere, the Musical, its 25th Season opener which ran for 22 performances, Tanghalang Pilipino continues its to celebrate 25 years of the best of Philippine Theater by honoring Filipino Artists as architects of the Filipino Identity. TP salutes its resident playwrights notably Tony Perez, Paul Dumol, Malou Jacob, and Rene Villanueva, all of whom belong to the league of contemporary scribes whose deep sense of love of country, of peace, of truth and justice, and of integrity and spirituality infuse their work with a particular Filipino perspective on the aspirations and challenges of modern-day life.

For its second offering, TP pays tribute to one of its most prolific playwrights in Tatlong Tabing: Three Plays by Tony Perez, featuring three of Tony Perez’s most outstanding plays. Tony Perez, who has spent over two decades eloquently dissecting the Filipino psyche, is an important playwright in contemporary Philippine drama. A prolific playwright with several volumes of published works, his plays deal with adult themes such as intense love, betrayal, separation, compassion, poverty, hunger, marriage, birth, and death. Dissecting the Filipino psyche, his plays deal with adult themes such as intense love, betrayal, separation, compassion, poverty, birth and death. The plays will be directed by a team of artists and educators who act, direct, write, and design.

The plays featured in this trilogy trace the artistic development of Tony Perez as a playwright. Sierra Lakes is a tension-filled usap-usapan (dramatic conversation) that explores issues among four people caught in a complicated web of love and desire. It will be directed by Tess Jamias, an alumna of the TP actors company. Bombita is a black comedy which questions the blind obedience and subservience behaviour of young rookies in the military. Funny, but almost in a pathetic way, it reveals the emotional and intellectual short-comings of our men in uniform. It will be directed by Dennis Marasigan, TP’s former Artistic Director. Nobyembre, Noong Akala Ko’y Mahal Kita, a case study of the absence of love in an average, middle-class male in contemporary Philippine society, is part of the multi-awarded playwright’s thought-provoking trilogy about love, friendship and companionship, and their consequences in our lives. It will be directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, one of today’s most sought-after theater directors.

Tatlong Tabing: Three Plays by Tony Perez showcases the talent and versatility of TP’s very own Actors Company, which includes Jelson Bay, Riki Benedicto, Martha Comia, Regina De Vera, Gino Ramirez, Rayna Reyes, Jonathan Tadioan and Marco Viaña. Joining the cast are TP alumni including Mayen Estañero, Marjorie Lorico, Russell Legaspi and Dan Jarden de Guzman. The production also features guest performances of Anthony Falcon, Bodie Cruz, a mainstream actor and Acey Aguilar, an alumnus of the Philippine High School for the Arts.

Tatlong Tabing: Three Plays by Tony Perez will run from 30 September to 23 October, 2011 at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater). As part of the celebration, an exhibit of Tony Perez’s paintings will be mounted during the entire run of the production.

Interested sponsors, showbuyers, and block buyers may call us for more details at (02)832-3661, (02)832-1125 local 1620/1621. Look for Lorelei Celestino or Paulo Perez. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at (02)891-9999 and at the CCP Box Office. Visit the official TP website at www.tanghalangpilipino.org.ph for other information.

Download the factsheet and show schedule here.
(Source: culturalcenter.gov.ph)

TATLONG TABING, A TONY PEREZ RETROSPECTIVE

Tony Perez, who has spent over two decades eloquently dissecting the Filipino Psyche, is an important playwright in contemporary Philippine drama. A prolific playwright with several volumes of published works, his plays deal with adult themes such as intense love, betrayal, separation, compassion, poverty, hunger, marriage, birth, and death. This trilogy traces his artistic development as a playwright. Sierra Lakes is a tension-filled play that explores issues among four people caught in a complicated web of love and desire. Bombita is a black comedy which questions the blind obedience and subservience behaviour of young rookies in the military. Funny, but almost in a pathetic way, it reveals the emotional and intellectual short-comings of our men in uniform. A psychological drama, Nobyembre, Noong Akala Ko’y Mahal Kita is the second play in the multi-awarded playwright’s thought-provoking trilogy about love, friendship and companionship, and their consequences in our lives.

(Source: tanghalangpilipino.org.ph)

PILANDOK

PILANDOK: EDSA People Power-Inspired Musical

Entablado, the socio-political student theatre organization of the Ateneo de Manila University, opens its 28th season with Christine Bellen’s original Filipino musical “Si Pilandok at Ang Bayan ng Bulawan” at the Meralco Theater (Ortigas Avenue corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Manila) on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Inspired by the historical EDSA 1 People Power Revolution, the play uses a ‘kuwentong bayan’ framework to inspire unity geared towards nation-building. Pilandok, the trickster of Bayan ng Bulawan, tries to retrieve the bright star Bulawan from the clutches of the corrupt Datu Usman, and evil henchman Orochimaru. Pilandok seeks help from other villages; however, the individual efforts of conflicting heroes Pantas (Wisdom), Banal (Faith), Yumi (Beauty), Gara (Wealth) and Lakas (Strength) are in vain. When Pilandok finally confronts Datu Usman alone, the other villages join in to reclaim the bright star Bulawan.

Ms. Bellen, known for the retelling of the Lola Basyang children’s stories and playwright of children’s plays, “Batang Rizal” and “Ang Unang Baboy sa Langit”, pens the musical. Dr. Jerry Respeto, known for directing and translating plays for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Dulaang UP (DUP), directs together with Ateneo professor Jethro Tenorio. Tuxqs Rotaquio of DUP designs the sets and costumes. Dr. Christine Muyco, UP Music professor, and Jema Pamintuan, Ateneo professor, compose the music.

“We wanted to show that the story of EDSA 1986 was the story of all Filipinos. It wasn’t only for us who went to the streets to topple a dictatorship then, but it was also for the succeeding generations,” says Ms. Bellen. “That is why we used the folklore format to show that what happened in 1986 is for all ages.”

Ms. Bellen uses the trickster tale from the Maranaos of Mindanao to personify the attempt of deception of the masses against the dictator. “Pilandok is a popular folk tale from the South wherein he tries to outwit the datu who is unjust to his people,” she adds. “We used him to symbolize that people can also ‘play tricks’ on their leaders who steal from them. This was a clear manifestation in EDSA 1.”

Dr. Respeto and Mr. Tenorio fuse the tradition and the modern for the play to be able to relate with the youth. “Dances are a mix of Asian and modern; conversations use the ‘old’ Filipino poetics and the popular ‘Taglish’,” says Dr. Tenorio.

The play teaches and calls for everyone, young and old, to take part in creating a nation immersed in solidarity, trust and integrity that was inspired by People Power, and the life and death of Ninoy and Cory Aquino. Theatergoers are challenged to engage its society, and uphold values of justice and freedom.

Proceeds from the musical will be for the Youth Leadership and Formation Program of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), and Tulong Dunong. For inquiries, contact Mika Millar at (63)917.553.6261 and (632)892.5360. Ticket Prices: Php 300.00 and Php 250.00

‘ISMAIL AT ISABEL’ the RETURN

PETAs’ Palanca award-winning play, Ismail at Isabel is back from its Asian presentation at the recently held Mekong Arts and Media Festival 2009 wherein it performed side-by-side with some of the most talented groups and artists of the Mekong region.

The festival brought together sixty international artists to perform and share various bodies of work in theater, visual arts, film, video, and photography that have contributed in consciousness-raising and other advocacy initiatives in the Mekong communities. The Festival also gave special highlight to the children and youth sector’s works, participation, and contributions in various development initiatives in the sub-region.

The Philippines was especially chosen to perform at the festival because of the powerful message of the play. The plot revolves around two characters: Ismail (a Muslim) and Isabel (a Christian), who lived in a village called Dilangawen, an atypical place in Mindanao where Muslims and Christians once settled peacefully until it collapsed due to the pressures of violence and war. Mirroring similar events facing the country today, the play also exposes the plight of children and the ill effects of war towards them, their families and their environment. Typical of PETA’s plays, Ismail at Isabel use images of children, storytelling and familiar humor to engage its audience. Its director Maribel Legarda lends an artistic interpretation of the narrative by mixing traditional dance and modern music with games and contemporary art forms like shadow puppetry.

Catch Ismail at Isabel at its Philippine shows at SM Taytay on Jan) and SM Fairview on January 29, 30, 31 (10:00 am and 3:00pm uary 22 (10:00am and 3:00pm). For more information contact the PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 7256244/ 4100821/ 0917-8044428.

Singapore Airlines is the official carrier of the Philippine delegates to the Mekong Arts and Media Festival.


Photos by Phoonsab Thevongsa of Vientiane Times (Lao PDR)

SI JUAN TAMAD, ANG DIYABLO AT ANG LIMANG MILYONG BOTO

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.

THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP

THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP Resumes Performances On 1/21 - BroadwayWorld. Com
by Oliver Oliveros

The Marie Eugenie Theatre of the Assumption (METTA) resumes its production of fast-paced and campy Off-Broadway comedy The Mystery of Irma Vep on January 21 to 23, 2010 at the newly-opened Assumption Black Box Theater, 5/F Marie Eugenie Building, Assumption College, Lorenzo Village, Makati City in Manila. The show features popular celebrity impersonator Jon Santos and screen and stage actor JV Katipunan.

The play in two acts, written by Charles Ludlam, is a parody of several stage productions and American films including Victorian melodrama, Alfred Hitchcock's classic noir films, post-modern cinema, among others. Featured actors Santos and Katipunan will essay 10 different roles that demand quick costume and set changes in a nearly two-hour high voltage performance.

Directed by Juilliard-educated Ana Valdes-Lim, this production of The Mystery of Irma Vep will also showcase seven students from Lim's Technical Theater Class at Assumption College. Lim has established METTA in 2004 as its artistic director. Under her tutelage, she leads METTA, which is composed of young female students and professional actors, in mounting theatrical productions that would help raise artistic consciousness of the school community as well as the public.

The Mystery of Irma Vep was originally produced by the playwright's Ridiculous Theatre Company. It opened at an Off-Off Broadway theatre in Greenwich Village, New York City on September 1986 and ran for two years. It starred Ludlam and Everett Quinton. The original production won a Drama Desk Award while its actors received an Obie Award for ensemble performance.

The camp comedy was later produced on Off-Broadway' s Westside Theatre in 1998 to 1999 with Quinton and Stephen DeRosa. It has received Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for Best Revival of a Play, Best Lighting Design and Best Costumes.

The Mystery of Irma Vep became America's most popular play in 1991.

METTA's production in Manila will highlight a lecture by the director on "Rehearsal Techniques" for students and teachers.

For ticket information, contact Czarene Revilla at (632) 817-0757 loc. 1162, (63) 917 - 7516434 or e-mail: czarene@gmail. com. Ticket Price: PhP 150.00.
http://philippines. broadwayworld. com/article/ THE_MYSTERY_ OF_IRMA_VEP_ Resumes_Performa nces_On_121_ 20100103

REPERTORY PHILIPPINES BARES 2010 SHOWS

Repertory Philippines bares 2010 shows
abs-cbnNEWS. com
http://www.abs- cbnnews.com/ lifestyle/ 01/06/10/ repertory- philippines- bares-2010- shows

MANILA, Philippines - Theater-goers can expect a slew of American and British plays to be performed by Repertory Philippines (REP), a professional theater company, this year.

The group will start off this January with the Philippine premiere of Peter Quilter's 2009 romantic comedy "Duets".

The play is a series of short comedies, performed by two actors, that "explores the hilarious nuances of love in seemingly impossible, but extremely funny situations."

"Duets", directed by Ana Abad Santos, stars REP's Associate Artistic Director Joy Virata and award-winning actor Miguel Faustmann.

The vignettes include the story of a couple on a blind date who share a bad taste in clothing; a woman who wishes her gay friend wasn't gay; a couple in the process of divorcing who go on a holiday in Spain; and a woman who is about to marry for the third time and has to deal with her disgruntled brother who hates the entire wedding.

The play will run starting on January 15 at 8 p.m. (with 3:30 matinees on select dates). Shows end on January 31.

Month of romance

In February, REP will serve up another comedy with Mark Saltzman's "Romeo and Bernadette", a twist on William Shakespeare' s play "Romeo and Juliet."

The play is about a man (Romeo) who tries to bed his girlfriend (Bernadette) with dinner and theater tickets to "Romeo and Juliet."

Unfortunately, the play fails to spark romance since Bernadette is distraught by the play's tragic ending.

In an effort to appease (and seduce) her, the man convinces Bernadette that Romeo did not die, but took a sleeping potion and awoke decades later in Brooklyn.

Disoriented and lovesick, Romeo follows a mobster's daughter whom he mistakes for his beloved Juliet.

The play, directed by Virata, will run from February 5 to 28 at 8 p.m. nightly, with 3:30 matinees on select dates.

The dark and the classic

In July, audiences can catch Peter Shaffer's drama "EQUUS" about "the naked reality of what contemporary society can do to the beauty that once was the human soul."

A few years ago, EQUUS made Hollywood headlines when "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe appeared as the play's troubled teenager and was photographed doing naked scenes.

EQUUS centers on the struggle between psychiatrist Martin Dysart and 17-year-old Alan Strang, whose passion for horses becomes "destructive" .

The play's show dates will start from July 9 and end on July 25.

REP's holiday offerings return to feel-good classics.

Through the Children's Theater, REP will perform an adaptation of the fairtylale "Sleeping Beauty." The play will run from August 14 to December 10.

Meant for young and old alike, the play will feature music and lyrics by Jim Eiler, who has done around 11 plays about popular fables and fairytales, including "Cinderella" , "Pinocchio" and "The Wizard of Oz."

Finally, REP will end their theater season with the American classic "Little Women" by Louis May Alcott. The musical, directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, will be set for November 19 to December 12.

"Little Women", an elaborate tale about the genteel and spirited daughters of the March family, has feel-good themes about family, life and love.

All Repertory's upcoming plays will be held at OnStage theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

Tickets are sold at Ticketworld (www.ticketworld.com.ph) and Repertory Philippines (call 887-0710 or visit http://repertory. ph)