FEU Theater Guild brings Niyebe: Isang Musikal

The Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) stages another Gabriel Garcia-Marquez short story as an experimental play for the opening of its 91st season.

NIYEBE: ISANG MUSIKAL is a groundbreaking production, featuring music and musical direction by Vince Lim, assisted by Jesus Singh III (IAS ‘17) for additional guidance and vocal coaching, choreography by Carlon Matobato, and choreography, adaptation, lyrics, and direction by Dudz Teraña, is set to captivate audiences from February 12 to March 27, 2025.

Against the backdrop of Europe's harsh winter, Niyebe: Isang Musikal tells the tragic story of newlyweds Billy Sanchez and Nena Deconte, whose honeymoon turns into a nightmare. A small scrape on Nena's finger leads to death! Stranded in a foreign land, Billy grapples with solitude, grief, and despair, forced to confront profound questions about existence, purpose, and identity in the aftermath of his wife’s sudden death. All this while, he battles the relentless bureaucracy that ultimately denies him the chance to see his wife one last time.

The musical production features a dynamic cast with Billy Sanchez played by RB Pascua (IAS ‘25) and Dave Bambang (IARFA ‘29), Nena Deconte by Kesiah Eunice Aritao (IAS ‘25) and Brigitta Claire Marilla (IAS ‘25), and the Narrator by Aaron Bayani (FIT‘25).

Also featured is a dynamic ensemble cast, whose collective talent and synergy will enhance the depth and vibrancy of the musical's narrative and performances.

Director and writer Dudz Teraña masterfully adapts García Márquez's story into a compelling theatrical experience that fuses music, movement, and rich storytelling. "Niyebe isn’t just a love story; it’s a reflection of how the fragility of happiness and loss can spiral into a deep existential crisis," says Teraña. "Reimagined as an experimental play, it employs a unique narrative style while delving into societal issues such as class disparity, which inspired García Márquez’s original work. Much like his other works, it speaks on existentialism, the questioning of one’s purpose after a sudden loss, and the wanting of escapism triggered by this loss."

The show's brilliance lies not only in its powerful performances but also in the dedicated work of its creative and production team. From the seamless execution by Stage Manager Maria Ysabel Delos Reyes (IAS ‘27) to the logistical coordination of Production Manager Janah Gervacio (IHSN ‘26), and House Manager Hans Fernandez, every aspect of the show is meticulously managed. The production’s aesthetic vision is brought to life by Production Design Head Kirstan Orbegoso (IAS ‘28) and Costume Designer Margarita Barrameda (IAS ‘26), and the technical team led by Technical Head Kristian Samson (IAS ‘26), with lighting design by Arvin Javier (IAS ‘28), sound by Gab Lazaro (FIT ‘27), and video projections by Shawn Tarala (IAS ‘27). Offstage, the show is supported by Marketing Relations Head Cassandra Herilla (IAS ‘27), Creative Head Julia Nicole Ramas (FIT ‘27), Multimedia Heads Davewyn Macawile (IAS ‘25) and Millicent Roxas (IAS ‘25), Media Relations Head Heleina Li (IAS ‘27), Collaborative Relations Head Irish Oliveros (IAS ‘28), and Social Media Manager Renz Dotillos (IAS ‘26), ensuring that Niyebe resonates with audiences both on and off the stage.

With a unique blend of captivating performances, evocative music, and innovative design, Niyebe is more than just a musical— it’s a deeply moving exploration of love and loss.

NIYEBE: ISANG MUSIKAL runs at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio on the following dates:

• February: 12-13, 19-22, 26-28
• March: 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-27

Prices are 100 PHP for the FEU Community, 300 PHP for student Guests, 500 PHP for Regulars, and 700 PHP for VIPs.

For reservations and inquiries, please contact the FTG through their social media pages:

Facebook: Far Eastern University Theater Guild
Instagram & Tiktok: @feutheaterguildofficial
Twitter: @ftg1934
Website: https://feutheaterguild.com

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Dulaang UP: “Nanay Bangis” fiercely opens this November 2024!

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas is staging Nanay Bangis as its first offering for its 47th theatre season this November 15 to December 1, 2024. Directed by J. William Herbert Sigmund Go and adapted by Rody Vera from Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage and Her Children,” Nanay Bangis is the story of a mother who loses her children to the conflict between the MNLF and the Philippine army from 1971 to 1981.

 This DUP CLASSICS’ Brechtian staging brings together returning UP alumni, now industry professionals, and young emerging talents from the theater program in this collaboration. Ge Malacaman Villamil leads as Nanay Bangis together with Air Paz, Rona Rostata, and Fred Layno. J. William Herbert Sigmund Go, former Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director and Virgin Labfest Co-founder also returns to Dulaang UP as director and mentor for theatre students.

Founded in 1976 by National Artist Tony Mabesa, Dulaang UP serves as the production arm of the UP Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts. In its 47th theatre season—subtitled “Amihan at Habagat,” DUP looks into how Filipinos are at the center of political and ecological precarity. Just like the amihan and habagat, this season’s productions show the push and pull in the critical zones of the Philippines today.

Presenting both tradition and innovation, this season introduces two banners under Dulaang UP: DUP CLASSICS and DUP INNOVATE.

Catch Nanay Bangis at the IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman, on the following dates:

• November 15, 22, 29 (7:30 PM)
• November 16, 23, 30 (2:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
• November 17, 24, December 01 (10:30 AM & 2:30 PM)

For tickets, check [bit.ly/NanayBangisTickets]. PWDs and senior citizens may also enjoy a discounted rate of PHP 800. Regular, non-discounted tickets are also available via TicketMelon [ticketmelon.com/dulaang-up/nanaybangis].

For inquiries on show buying, audience sponsorship, and bulk tickets, contact Christen Perez at dulaangup.marketing.upd@up.edu.ph. Additional information will be posted at the Dulaang UP Facebook page.

*additional contributions by Marc Stanley Mozo and Jonas Gabriel Garcia

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Rosang Taba runs again this April - May 2024!

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas is restaging the highly-acclaimed Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba this April 19 to May 05 2024 in UP Diliman. Considered one of the Best Filipino Theatre of 2023, this reimagining of Dean Francis Alfar’s beloved children’s book by Maynard Manansala and Rody Vera showcases the power of storytelling to reclaim and celebrate one's independence.

A race between Rosa and her oppressors in the fictional world of the Katao ensues with her family’s freedom at stake. Directed by José Estrella, Issa Manalo Lopez and Mark Daniel Dalacat to fierce music and wit, the story of Rosang Taba is a story of how limitations can be overcomed when one has the will to fight for their liberty. How does an ordinary Katao beat a menacing commandant in a race? Come and witness Rosa do it!

A play for all ages, Rosang Taba is envisioned to be the race that every Filipino can run.

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas has long been at the forefront of producing premiere theatre productions since it was established in 1976 by National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa. This production continues Dulaang UP’s celebration of women in its 46th Season Sidhi’t Silakbo. The season envisions women liberating themselves through a series of performances of freedom, fury, wit, rage, love and ruin.

Catch Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba at the IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman on the following dates:

April 19, 26, May 03 (7:30 pm)
April 20, 27, May 04 (3:30 pm & 7:30 pm)
April 21, 28, May 05 (10:30 am & 03:30 pm)

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me [ticket2me.net/event/21729].

For inquiries on show buying, audience sponsorship, and bulk tickets, contact Kate Dayag-Nonay at dulaangup.marketing.upd@up.edu.ph. Additional information will be posted at the Dulaang UP Facebook page.

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FEU Theater Guild’s 90th Year Celebration

The Far Eastern University Theater Guild’s (FTG) 90th season opened by exploring the intricacies of love in Tamdula VI: Love-Oratory and now restages Liza Magtoto’s “Agnoia” inspired by Eli Rueda Guieb III’s short story “Horoscope”. First performed in FEU in 2013, “Agnoia” delves into the fateful webbing of relationships and destiny and will be restaged in a more intimate setting. Witness how the themes of love and circumstance take on the characters of the Zodiac signs as the FTG marks this significant milestone in its illustrious history.

Mr. Dudz Teraña, the Artistic Director of the FTG, who is also a senior member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), has been guiding the FTG since 2009, enhancing college experimental productions and occasionally incorporating full-length major plays that establish remarkable standards in the university theater scene. In honor of the organization’s 90th theater season, Teraña intends the current restaging of Agnoia to be an intimate encapsulation of the organization’s legacy.

“The way I created it [Agnoia], it was a really big production with lots of movement. Pero ngayon, I want to focus more on the text…on the acting…I wanted to highlight the celebration of the organization and not the play itself. The people who worked behind FEU Theater Guild all throughout the years.”

Step into the perplexing world of “Agnoia", where relationships’ secrets unfold like a cosmic tapestry. Horoscopes, behaviours, responses, affairs, and fates are woven together, revealing an intricate waltz of pronoia and agnoia. In this captivating play, gear up for a journey of the self as it mirrors larger-than-life dilemmas of family, identity, love, and fate itself.

The cast includes: RB Pascua (IAS ‘25), Arvin Javier (IAS ‘26), and Aaron Bayani (FIT ‘25) as Taurus, Martin Falqueza (IAS ‘24) and Kirstan Orbegoso (IAS ‘26) as Gemini, Drea Achas (IAS ‘24) and Dianne Andallo (ITHM ’26) as Cancer, Arvin Javier (IAS ’26) and Aaron Bayani as Leo, Maria Mayano (IAS’26) as Virgo, Meldy Malig (IAS’24) and Kesiah Aritao (IAS ’25) as Libra, Davewyn Macawile (IAS’25) and Jonas Cunanan (IAS ’25) as Scorpio, Adam Labador (IARFA ’26) and John Cedric Guevarra (IABF ‘27) as Sagittarius, Brigitta Marilla (IAS ‘25) and Evonne Gutierrez (IAS ‘27) as Capricorn, Caleb Flores (IAS ‘26) and Jharelle Villalobos (IHSN ‘26) as Aquarius, Julia Ramas (FIT ’26) and Jazzie Alejo (ITHM ’24) as Pisces, along with an additional transitionist character played by Lorenze Moral (IAS ‘26) and Renz Vanneze Dotillos (IAS ‘26).

None of this would be possible without the heads of Agnoia’s production team joined by their staff in their respective committees: Marj Uson (IAS ‘27) for Stage Management, Kirstian Samson (IAS ‘26) for Technicals, Maria Mayano for Production Design, Millicent Roxas (IAS ‘25) for Public Relations, and Aaron Bayani for Marketing. Lastly, the production is made possible by Far Eastern University and the FEU Center for the Arts.

Catch Agnoia at 6:00 PM on February 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, March 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 16, 21, 22, & 23, 2024 at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio, Ground Floor, Engineering Building.

Tickets are priced at 200 PHP for the FEU Community and 400 PHP for guests.

Follow the FEU Theater Guild on their social media accounts:
Facebook: Far Eastern University Theater Guild
Instagram & Tiktok: @feutheaterguildofficial
Twitter: @ftg1934

Website: feutheaterguild.com

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2TinCans Philippines Brings Back Steel Magnolias in Cebu

2TinCans Philippines, Inc.’s production of the heartwarming classic, "Steel Magnolias" is back, and this time, it's promising to be even more captivating with a perfect blend of seasoned talent and fresh faces.

The restaging of “Steel Magnolias” is set on September 23 to 24 and October 7 to 8, 2023 at the Siddhartha Theater, Guang Ming Institute of Performing Arts, V. Rama Avenue, Cebu City.

Directed by Vincent Paul Diez Gaton, the cast is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience. Reprising their iconic characters are Charlene Virlouvet as Truvy Jones, Liana San Diego as Annelle Dupuy, Clariza Mae Sevilla as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, Yvette Yntig as M'Lynn Eatenton, and Marlinda Angbetic Tan as Clairee Belcher.

2TinCans Producing Artistic Director and producer of Steel Magnolias, Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson,
is thrilled to introduce two dynamic additions to the cast. JoAnn Zaldumbilde will alternate as Clairee Belcher, and Che Solon as Ouiser Boudreaux.

“This exciting blend of talents promises to breathe new life into the Chinquapin community, where friendship, humor, and resilience reign supreme. With JoAnn and Che joining the cast, I am excited to see how they will infuse their characters with their own brand of brilliance,” Enclona-Henderson said.

"Steel Magnolias" is a tribute to the bonds of friendship, the strength found in adversity, and the indomitable human spirit. Its story resonates deeply to audiences of all ages, and with this exceptional cast, 2TinCans assures a powerful and moving theatrical experience.

Director Gaton promises the audience new and deeper insights into the characters and their relationships. “The new cast members bring a different flavor to the beloved characters, and I have chosen a new and different approach to some scenes or their subunits,” he added.

2TinCans is a Cebu-based theatre communications company, which offers top-of-the-line transformational and socially relevant experiences that seek to communicate advocacies, brands, and campaigns. It also endeavors to provide a creative sanctuary and platform for artists, audience, and industry development.

For ticket information and seat reservations, please visit https://2tincans-philippines.yapsody.
com/. For updates and information, call (0915) 043 7403 or steelmagnolias@2tincans.ph and look for Kaye Alturas.

You may also visit https://www.facebook.com/2tincans.ph and https://www.instagram.com/2tincansph/

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Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba - review

With the lengthy title, who would not get curious? Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba is actually a children's short story by Dean Francis Alfar adapted to a stage play that gives great impact. Aside from the suggestion that it makes fun of curvy individuals, it discusses beautifully layers of liberty, family relations and teaches lessons that open minds in an entertaining and pedagogic way.

Starting in a setting in a bar accompanied by catchy singing and music, the play was able to gather the attention of the audience by participating to the intros. Then the cast appear one by one and told their roles in the story so that everyone can follow.

Then it starts the main story, transporting the stage into colonial setting. The characters were divided into Hispanics and natives, wherein social injustice is being exposed. Our heroine Rosa, knows to fight back and betting on all odds, she challenged a wealthy and powerful Pietrado in a race. Then a layer of discrimination and body shaming adds to the issues that were already present. The post-show call back surprisingly revealed more than just the colonialism and fat shaming were tapped in the story. The short story has been put into greater heights and digs deeper with the lessons it entail.

Rody Vera (playwright), Kiki Baento (Rosang Taba) and Maynard Manansala (playwright) 

Two years in the pandemic has evolved the original plans of production to what it is today. The creative team has put together great ideas other than injecting comic factors that will surely be appreciated by audience from all ages. The stage, the script, and cast are seamless overall that it makes it a feast for the eyes and soul. My words would not be enough to say that it is perfect to watch and to repeat.

Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba runs until April 2, 2023 at the UP Main Theater in UP Diliman. For tickets, you may buy from https://ticket2me.net/o/531

The book How Rosang Taba Won the Race by Dean Francis Alfar, is also available at the foyer, distributed by Lampara Books.

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DIGITAL THEATER REVIEW - M.45 Makbetamaximus

Tanghalang Ateneo's season finale M.45 or Makbetamaximus is something that is very new to me. Reinterpreting Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth in a modern setting that is very familiar to Filipino audience produced in pure indie and innovative.

At first I was unsure about what I'm seeing, but if you have read Macbeth or saw an adaptation of it, you will gradually get the grasp of the story. Beginning with an inviting buffet of Filipino street foods, to the witches, the characters and all that will open your senses. It's a violent play and contains explicit language so only mature audiences are allowed to see it. Great editing as well, disturbing themes with creative visuals catches your attention throughout the 45-minute digital play.

I would like to congratulate Tanghalang Ateneo and the whole production team for coming up with this as a relevant theater for today and this is something I've never seen. I encourage everyone to buy a ticket via Ticket2Me.net and support this amazing campus theater production.

* Images via Tanghalang Ateneo

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REVIEW: Tanghalang Ateneo's password: 03d1pu5_R3x

Marian Rivera-Dantes' first theater production with Tanghalang Ateneo is a modern Filipino adaptation of one of Sophocle's greatest plays, Oedipus Rex. With the challenges we're facing in the new normal due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the production does not disappoint in portraying the current political set up which we are facing today.

The setting gives obvious similarities from Sophocle's times to our current status. The ensemble, played by Ateneo students who are in the Zoom setting, tells us that they are living in a quarantine set up which tells us that there's a great danger outside. Like them, we are praying for something to stop the danger so that we can be able to live normally again. 

Then here's Gabe Mercado, playing Lysanias, who pacifies the wails of the people for us to hope for the best. Edipo, or the local version of Oedipus, played by Yan Yuzon, portrays a strong man and cannot be fazed by his opponents and well followed by his supporters. Marian Rivera, as the VP, and Katski Flores as the modern-day oracle gave their in-dept dramatic impressions of their roles strongly based on Sophocle's characters.

The adaptation in Filipino contains a lot of very deep Filipino words, which Marian Rivera  admits that she had some difficulty into. But with the direction of Ronan Capinding and translation from Jopie Sanchez, it gave good context on the story and we should be thankful that the preservation of the Filipino language is rich on this production.

The Zoom setting gives editor a creative liberty to play on the frames of each character depending on the situation but it still makes us look forward as a live theater audience like we've used to. Tanghalang Ateneo's adaptation to technology has allowed us to continue to enjoy theater even at home.

You can watch password: 03d1pu5_R3x online, now streaming. You may get your digital tickets via Ticket2me at ticket2me.net/e/33027 starting at P100. 

 

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Marian Rivera's first theater role in a Greek literary classic

Fans of GMA royalty Marian Rivera-Dantes should watch out for her first role in a theater piece that deals on a political climate in Tanghalang Ateneo's second production this season entitled - password: 03d1pu5_R3x. This is based on a Greek literary classic written by Sophocles more than 2500 years ago which is still relevant in today's times.

password: 03d1pu5_R3x is a Filipino adaptation in the modern times from Oedipus Rex (King Oedipus / Oedipus Tyrranus) and Marian plays a political figure, the Vice President that is, named Kreon in this play. As a beginner in theater productions, she narrates how she was persuaded by her husband, Dingdong Dantes, to do the role. She was able to accept realizing the relevance of the plot in today's climate and how it would help students and viewers in the education process as her contribution despite the pandemic. 

She was lauded by her co-actor Yan Yuzon stating he had learned a lot from Marian with her experience in show business and acting in front of the camera. Director Ron Capinding also commended Marian in her dedication to deliver the role, from understanding the piece and even the deep Filipino terms to give the necessary character for Kreon.

Right now, we're congratulating Marian Rivera and looking forward for more roles and to even experience live theater as an actress.

password: 03d1pu5_R3x streams online on February 22, 25 and 27. You may buy tickets at Ticket2Me here https://ticket2me.net/e/33027 starting at P100.

 

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Tanghalang Ateneo's DOLOROSA - how a religious image solves mysteries encompassed multiple generations

As Tanghalang Ateneo opens its 41st season with theme Ecriture Feminine that revolves around women, its first production focused on the wonders of a prominent Catholic figure, the Mater Dolorosa in Peter Zaragoza-Mayshle's "Dolorosa." This is directed by Jenny Jamora.

The 3-act play narrative showed generations with a complex history starting from the Spanish colonial period until the current time when the family is already dysfunctional and broken. You won't recognize the length of this 3-hour production as the playwright gave a very interesting development of the characters and also the mystery of the main figure, the Dolorosa.

The first act, starting with the creation of the image puts the imagination to be inspired on how the image would look like. Similar with the stories of history of what our ancestors have endured under the friars and we are greatly influenced of indulgences and spiritual factors.

While on the 2nd act, when the Filipinos still has a young perceptive of the modern world, we are still impacted with the supernatural. The 2nd act is very interesting though, a certain scene wherein the young Pilar (Zoe de Ocampo) has traveled to an unknown dimension where she meets the various titles of the Virgin. Parts of the Litany depicted in a mind-opening scene that was indeed memorable. Whether it's a fictional world or not, this ignites you to think of your belief. A thing that I would have not expected to come from a Catholic-run institution.

The 3rd act presents the drama and the humor of the whole play. It was a roller-coaster machine brought by the collective of the three generations of the family including the grown Pilar (Bibeth Orteza). Here we face some realities and confronts our own judgments and even our own evils. The characters turn into a redeeming stage which leaves you your own judgment and conclusion.

Cast of Tanghalang Ateneo's Dolorosa

Tanghalang Ateneo's Dolorosa runs until August 31, with shows at 2:30PM and 7:30PM at the Doreen Black Box Theater, 3F, Arete, Ateneo De Manila University.

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