PETA’s 2006 lineup is full of thought-provoking plays
by eric dela cruz
IT’S the start of the theater season and patrons are scouting for up-and-coming new plays to watch. If you’re new to the theater scene, here’s the line up of plays released by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) for their 39th season.
MGA KWENTO NI LOLA BASYANG
Opening the season is the stage adaptation of Severino Reyes’s Mga Kwento Ni Lola Basyang. The play adapts three of the more than 500 beautiful stories of Lola Basyang – Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Mahal na Hari, and Ang Prinsipeng Duwag.
The play is on its second year and is written for stage by well-known and well-loved story teller Christine Bellen and transformed into a brilliant musical masterpiece by director Nor Domingo. The play is a magical journey through music, dance and puppetry with choreography by Dudz Teraña and the enchanting music composed by no less than Noel Cabangon.
Children and adults alike will enjoy this entertaining and upbeat play that reflects true Filipino values and traditions.
The play was staged at the PETA Theater Center from July 20 to 30 and will be available for Mobile Performances from October, 2006 to January, 2007.
WALANG HIMALA
(Isang Maikling Kasaysayan ng Resureksyon)
Walang Himala is a retrospective look at the three EDSA People Power Revolutions. The story is mounted with a light and entertaining approach that balances the deep and profound undercurrents of the country’s struggle against poverty and corruption. Be ready to be moved by the poignant story of the triumphant fight of the people amidst insurmountable odds.
The play is written by Rene Villanueva, Liza Magtoto and Nex Agustin, and directed by Maribel Legarda. It will be staged at the PETA Theater Center from August 11 to September 3.
DON_Q
The classic character of Don Quijote comes to life on stage to enter the cyber world of Metro Manila and wander the dark and scary slums of the city. In a world of chaos, weaponry, potions and usernames, he perceives beauty and grandeur, only to lose it in the end to a thing called Reality.
The play don_Q is a modern take on Cervantes’s classic Don Quixote as devised by the Metropolitan Teen Theater League Core Group, Jovy Miroy and director Chris Millado. This version is a product of improvisation and collaboration among the artists involved and will leave you glued to your seats and at wits end. But, in this stage adaptation, will he still be fighting imaginary windmills?
Don_Q is staged at the PETA Theater Center from September 22 to October 15.
For almost four decades since its inception, the PETA continues to be the forefront of Philippine culture with more than 300 plays produced now in the hallmarks of Philippine theater. Their continued pioneering work using theater to espouse education and development has stirred major support and aided in giving birth to their new home, the PETA Theater Center.
The Theater Center is located at No. 5 Sunnyside Drive, Brgy Kristong Hari, Quezon City. For more information about PETA and their productions, call 721-8604 or 725-6244.
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