Echoes of San Diego: Dulaang UP’s Fiestas y Muertos makes Rizal’s Masterpiece feel Alive

Dulaang UP opens its 49th theatre season with Fiestas y Muertos, a bold production staged in remembrance of the upcoming 130th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. Directed by José Estrella, this adaptation revives Rizal’s iconic novel, Noli Me Tangere, and turns it into an immersive reflection on Philippine society, power, and freedom.

Watching the show felt like taking a trip down memory lane. It brought back every scene, character, and chapter studied during high school. Seeing the characters walk and speak right in front of the audience made the classic literary scenes feel clear, urgent, and deeply human again.

There is a place in Pililla, Rizal area called the San Diego de Alcala Parish, that sparked my imagination during the show. It made me reflect on how Rizal himself traveled across Laguna de Bay heading toward Antipolo and Manila during his time, bridging the physical geography of his youth directly to the world of the play.

One of the most memorable parts of the production happens before the story even begins because you enter the venue directly through the stage. Walking across the performance space to reach your seat sets a unique tone for the entire evening. It immediately breaks the wall between the actors and the audience, making you feel as though you are stepping straight into the world of San Diego.

Without a doubt, this stands out as the best and most compelling production of Noli Me Tangere I have experienced, largely driven by its brilliant ensemble cast. Jerom Canlas gives Crisostomo Ibarra a grounded, deeply human energy. Rather than portraying him as a passive hero, Canlas highlights Ibarra's internal struggle between his love for his homeland and the crushing weight of systemic oppression. Justine Peña reclaims Maria Clara from the tired stereotype of a fragile heroine, bringing a delicate strength and quiet resistance to the role while anchoring the tragic heart of the story alongside Canlas.

The antagonists are portrayed with chilling nuance. Jojo Cayabyab captures Padre Damaso’s overbearing arrogance and blustering authority, making him an imposing presence every time he steps into view. In contrast, Joseph Pe’s Padre Salvi is quietly unsettling, playing the friar with a restrained, creeping malice that emphasizes the corrupt power of the clergy. Meanwhile, the tragedy of Sisa’s family serves as the emotional anchor of the play. Iris Montesclaros delivers a heartbreaking performance as Sisa, charting her descent into grief with painful authenticity, while Quiel Campo as Basilio and Daphne Galang as Crispin bring a raw, vulnerable purity that makes their suffering feel deeply personal.

The visual design complements these performances through wonderfully inventive choices, using a creative set, dynamic lighting, and clever movement to transform simple props into vivid scenes of grand feasts and dark, quiet moments. Based on the Filipino translation by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, the script breathes fresh energy into Rizal’s words. Instead of feeling like a dry textbook lesson, the language feels sharp, clear, and relevant to modern viewers. I truly believe students will take Noli Me Tangere much more seriously after seeing this version, as it shows how deeply Rizal's message still connects to our lives today.

The production runs from October 23 to November 15, 2026, at the IBG-KAL Theatre, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Friday shows are at 7:00 PM, while Saturday and Sunday shows run at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Regular ticket prices are PHP 1,200, with discounted rates of PHP 960 for PWD, Senior Citizens, UP Alumni, and non-UP Students, and PHP 690 for the UP Community on Friday performances.

Don't miss the chance to experience Philippine literature come alive on stage! Whether you are a student rediscovering Rizal's work or a theater lover looking for an unforgettable show, Fiestas y Muertos is a must-watch. Book your tickets now by visiting Dulaang UP's official social media pages or emailing the Dulaang UP Marketing Team at dulaangup.marketing.upd@up.edu.ph. Grab your seats before the run ends on November 15!