MANILA, Philippines—In celebration of Andres Bonifacio’s sesquicentennial, Dulaang UP stages “Teatro Porvenir, Ang Katangi-tanging Kasaysayan ni Andres Bonifacio, Macario Sakay at Aurelio Tolentino sa Entablado,” a Palanca-winning play written by Tim Dacanay.
“Teatro Porvenir” is a re-imagining of the history of the Katipunan through an amalgamation of myth and literature, history and religion. The play highlights Bonifacio as artist- a facet of this valiant revolutionary that remains largely unknown to most people.
It all starts with a struggling moro-moro troupe in Tondo, “Teatro Porvenir (Theater of Tomorrow)”. Its members, Aurelio Tolentino, Emilio Jacinto, Macario Sakay and the brothers Ciriaco, Procopio and Andres Bonifacio, try to introduce reforms in the komedya and senakulo.
Born into a time of foment, their art-making is informed by the subversive works of Jose Rizal and Marcelo del Pilar. The moro-moro players ultimately become members of the supreme council of the Katipunan and play out their vital roles in Philippine history.
Culled from a diverse array of historical scholarship and documents, religious and literary traditions such as the sinakulo, komedya, awit, and pasyon, this highly imagist play seeks to bring to the 21st century a new interpretation of the life and times of Andres Bonifacio.
The play features a stellar cast headlined by seasoned theatre actors with emerging actors from UP and other theatre groups: Romnick Sarmenta, Russell Legaspi, Jojit Lorenzo, Joel Saracho, Fitz Bitana, Jean Judith Javier, Karen Gaerlan, Natasha Cabrera, Fatima Cadiz, Nikki Lorenzo, Emerald Bañares, Paul Jake Paule, Cedrick Juan, Io Balanon, Dan de Guzman, Janel Estuya, and the Dulaang UP ensemble composed mainly of freshmen from the theatre arts program.
“Teatro Porvenir” is directed by Dulaang UP’s artistic director Alexander Cortez.
Director Cortez also directed and translated Adrian Cristobal’s “The Trial of Andres Bonifacio (Ang Paglilitis)” in 1997 which saw more than 120 performances of this ground breaking historical play.
The prolific playwright Floy Quintos shares his expertise as creative consultant; Meliton Roxas, Jr. and Ohm David do the technical direction and assistant technical direction respectively; set design by Hongkong-based Faust Peneyra, sound design by Jethro Joaquin and costumes by Nimrod Sta. Ana.
The choreographic team is headed by Angel Baguilat of the UP Dance Company and Filipino martial arts “arnis” expert Bot Jocano; Batalla movement by Jess Macatuggal and Grace Jaramillo. The most important video designs are by Winter David, dramaturgy by Erika Estacio, photography by Dino Dimar, poster design by Tim Dacanay and graphics by Renee Balboa.
“Teatro Porvenir” runs from November 20 to December 8, 2013 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. For more information and ticket inquiries, contact the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449, and 433-7840.
