Dulaang UP’s second offering for its 40th Theatre Season is William Shakespeare’s “King Lear” and its new Filipino translation, “Haring Lear” by one of the greatest living playwrights of today, Nicolas Pichay.
Pichay, who is also a poet and lawyer, is known for his now-classic works; the historical comedy “Psychedelia Apokalypsis,” the sarcastic “Pangulo Naming Mahal,” the stage adaptation of “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” titled “Maxie the Musical” and his collection of award-winning poems in Filipino, the soon-to-be reissued “Ang Lunes na Mahirap Bunuin.”
READ: Nicolas Pichay: ‘Don’t believe people who do not believe in the power of theater’
Critics who’ve pored over the new material he finished for DUP are one in saying that Pichay’s translation of “King Lear” is poetic, regal and accessible without sounding stilted or embalmed.
The play, considered by critics as Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, is directed by DUP Founding Artistic Director, Professor Emeritus Tony Mabesa, who was this year’s recipient of the Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining for Theater.
The play is set in the waning years of a Southeast Asian kingdom replete with appropriate music, movement, costumes, and properties of the region without losing the themes, images, and poetry of the playwright’s supreme achievement.
“King Lear | Haring Lear” is the epitome of how deceit and the love for the superficial can tragically bring families to ruin and great kingdoms to ashes.
The star-studded cast includes Joel Lamangan, Leo Rialp, Jojo Cayabyab, Brian Sy, Guelan Luarca, Ian Ignacio, Carlo Tarobal, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Gilleth Sandico, Micaela Pineda, Martha Comia, Astarte Abraham, Jacques Borlaza, Jeremy Domingo, Allan Palileo, Francis Mata, Tarek El Tayech, Joseph Dela Cruz, Arvin Trinidad, Ron Binas, Patrick Ortaliza, Liway Gabo and the Dulaang UP Ensemble.
The artistic staff is composed of Ohm David (set design), Eric Pineda (costume design), Meliton Roxas Jr. (technical direction and lighting design), Jethro Joaquin (sounds design), Arnel Paguyo(property design), Jeremy Dela Cruz (movement & choreography), Patrick Ortaliza and Juan Gonzales (dramaturgy), Dino Dimar (poster), Patricia Balboa (photography) and John Mark Yap (assistant direction).
“King Lear | Haring Lear” runs from October 7 to October 25, 2015 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd Floor, Palma Hall, U.P. Diliman.
For tickets, sponsorships, and show buying inquiries, call Samanta Clarin (09277406124) or Camille Guevara (09178239531). You may also contact Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 433-7840, 981-8500 local 2449 or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com. Like our official Dulaang UP page: www.facebook.com/DulaangUnibersidadNgPilipinas