Dulaang UP pays tribute to Tony Mabesa in twin bill ‘Para Kay Tony’

After the success of Nanay Bangis and Mga Anak ng Unos, Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) returns to the stage by paying tribute to its founder and National Artist for Theater Antonio ‘Tony’ Mabesa. The tribute, titled Para kay Tony: Tungo sa Ginintuang Alaala, is a twin bill showcasing two productions that capture the spirit of Dulaang UP’s nearly five-decade history.

The first half of the twin bill is a staging of Kalahating Oras sa Isang Kumbento by legendary Filipino playwright Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero as translated by Lilia F. Antonio. The story follows Yolanda, a student at a convent school, who seeks comfort and companionship after being expelled.

UP Diliman Theatre Arts student Lloyd Sarmiento Uy serves as director, alongside director-mentor Erika Estacio. The cast includes Kris Caaya, Rona Lynne, Jan Magcaling, Paulyn Abando, Janna Talampas, Gena Suelto, and Sheryll Ceasico.

The second play in Para kay Tony features National Artist Rolando Tinio’s May Katwiran ang Katwiran. The plot centers on Senyor, a wealthy haciendero who persuades his servant to join him on a journey across the mountains. Along the way, they encounter obstacles that threaten their survival. The staging is led by Theatre Arts student MJ Briones with director-mentor Charles Yee. Acting in the play are Francheska Andaya, Julianne Quimio, Akin Cullarin, Pat Ebro, Kerr Allen, Camille Fabian, and Daniel Duplon.

Para Kay Tony is part of Dulaang UP’s 48th theatre season “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?” The season is part of a multi-year initiative building to Dulaang UP’s 50th anniversary. Since its inception in 1976, Dulaang UP has been staging classic and experimental plays while providing a platform of artistic expression for the UP Diliman community.

Catch Para Kay Tony at the IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman, on the following dates: November 15, 22, and 29 (2:30 PM & 7:30 PM) November 20, 21, 27, and 28 (7:30 PM) November 16, 23, and 30 (10:30 AM & 2:30 PM)

Tickets are priced at Php 1000 each and can be purchased through TicketMelon at bit.ly/DUPParaKayTony.

Interested patrons may also buy tickets onsite at the Dulaang UP Office at Pavilion 3, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. UP students, faculty, and staff can enjoy a discounted rate of Php 500. If you’re interested in sponsoring student beneficiaries to watch Para Kay Tony, you may check bit.ly/DUP48_PKT_SponsorADreamer for inquiries.

For further information, contact dulaangup.marketing.upd@up.edu.ph. Sponsorship inquiries such as audience sponsorship and bulk tickets may be addressed to Ms. Anna Gamboa through the same email or through dulaangup_sponsorship.upd@up.edu.ph.

Dulaang UP may also be reached through phone at (02) 898 18500 loc 2449.

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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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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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Dulaang UP makes a comeback with Floy Quintos' The Reconciliation Dinner

The stage is set for Dulaang UP’s comeback with 45th Theatre Season opener, THE RECONCILIATION DINNER, a new one-act play by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter M. Santos.

THE RECONCILIATION DINNER is a dark comedy about friends trying to heal unspoken hurts, suspicions, disbelief about the choices of those they thought they knew well. In light of the 2022 elections, how well do we really know those we hold dear? And how far are we willing to go to overlook the choices they make?

The production boasts a powerhouse ensemble of actors led by Stella Cañete-Mendoza and Frances Makil-Ignacio. They are joined by regulars in the Philippines theatre scene including Randy Medel Villarama, Jojo Cayabyab, Nelsito Gomez, Hariette Mozelle, and Phi Palmos.

Frances Makil-Ignacio

Stella Ca˜nete-Mendoza

Joining Quintos and Santos on their sixth theatre collaboration (previous works include The Kundiman Party, Angry Christ, Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini, Ang Nawalang Kapatid, and Collection) are Charles Yee (set), Mitoy Sta. Ana (costume), Loren Rivera (lights), Arvy Dimaculangan (sounds), Steven Tansiongco (video and poster), and Jojit Lorenzo (photography).

THE RECONCILIATION DINNER runs from November 18 to November 20 at the UP Theater Main Hall Stage, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me (https://ticket2me.net/e/36022). The production will also have a limited video-on-demand release via Ticket2Me.

November 18 (Friday), 7:30 PM

November 19, (Saturday), 10:30 AM

November 19 (Saturday), 3:00 PM

November 19 (Saturday), 7:30 PM

November 20 (Sunday), 10:30 AM

November 20 (Sunday), 3:00 PM

November 20 (Sunday), 7:30 PM

For ticket inquiries and sponsorship, you may email us at dulaangup.upd@up.edu.ph or message our Facebook Page: Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP Official Page).

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