P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
“Trial by Jury,” a British one-act comic opera by the famed musical duo Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert, will be staged by by the University of the Philippines’ Women Lawyers’ Circle and the ZONTA Club of Manila I, in partnership with Performatibo Manila Inc., on May 8-9, 8 p.m., at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
The operetta is about a “breach of promise of marriage” lawsuit that satirically questions the rational nature of the judicial system. Characteristic of Sullivan and Gilbert’s works, its plot is filled with farce; nevertheless, the characters behave as if the events are perfectly reasonable. The play’s narrative blunts some of the pointed barbs aimed at the hypocrisy and ignoble motives of supposedly respectable people and institutions.
The Philippine run will be directed by award-winning playwright/director Floy Quintos, with costumes by John Abul and set design by Ohm David.
Before the operetta, the audience will be treated to Pure Classics, a front-act collection of lighthearted arias to be performed by some of the country’s best classical singers, led by soprano Dot Gancayco and baritone Joseleo Logdat.
The cast of “Trial by Jury” is composed of members of Performatibo Manila Inc. and other Filipino opera talents: Kay
Balajadia-Liggayu, Nazer Salcedo, Greg Abelardo de Leon, Noel Azcona, Myramae Meneses and Anna Migallos, along with the Viva Voce Singers.
Musical direction is by mezzo-soprano Camille Lopez-Molina.
The opening show on May 8 is sponsored by UP WILOCI, an organization that lends legal defense to abused women and children; the second night will be sponsored by ZONTA Club of Manila I.
Call Laiza Pineda 3588762/0917-5839343, or any UP WILOCI member, for May 8 tickets; Marie Pore 0917-7146531 or any ZONTA member for May 9 tickets. Visit www.up-wiloci.org, e-mail upwiloci@yahoo.com.