Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) launched its 38th Theater Season on August 3, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex.
This theater season focuses on ‘REVOLT’, exploring its original and radical meanings. TP’s Artistic Director shares their unique interpretation of ‘REVOLT’ in their message, reversing the spelling to ‘TLOVER’ to emphasize the four-letter word ‘LOVE’, aligning with the theater company’s original mission.
The Artistic Team highlights their focus on ‘devised theatre.’ They emphasize experimentation and play. The collaborative process involves TP’s Actors Company. They create the storytelling together. TP introduced its new scholars that same night. This integration showcases their commitment to collaboration.
During the launch, TP and members of the Actors Company showcased snippets from the three theater productions for the 38th season.
Balete: A Reflection on Freedom and Courage
Balete, based on the novel by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose, follows a young boy in a small Ilokano town. The stage adaptation aims to “reflect on the enduring struggle for freedom and the transformative power of courage” by following the character in his journey to self discovery.
Adapted by Rody Vera and directed by Chris Millado, Balete will open on September 13 and will run until October 6, 2024.
Sandosenang Sapatos: A Musical Journey of Hope and Resilience
TP is also bringing back a production from the previous theater season, Sandosenang Sapatos. Based on the short story of the same name by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, the musical follows a child born without feet as she hopes to fulfill her shoemaker father’s dream of having a ballerina for a daughter.
Sandosenang Sapatos is adapted by Layeta Bucoy and directed by Jonathan Tadioan, featuring music by Joed Balsamo and Noel Cabangon. It will be shown from November 15 to December 8, 2024.
Kisapmata: Unraveling the Perfect Filipino Family
Kisapmata is a theatrical adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s crime report. It was previously a film by Mike De Leon. The story unravels a ‘perfect’ Filipino family on stage. A retired policeman’s home faces threats from his daughter’s lover. Guelan Varela-Luarca adapts and directs Kisapmata. Collaborating with the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, it opens March 7 and runs until March 30, 2025.
When asked about the role of the theater in today’s digital-centered landscape, Actors Company newcomer Earvin Estioco said, “With the advent of digital media, there is the issue of trust… Ang puhunan namin sa teatro ay truth.”
Tanghalang Pilipino invites viewers to experience its 38th season. They encourage ‘Revolt’ for human rights, justice, love, and peace.
To book your tickets for the three shows’ seasonal run, you may go to Tanghalang Pilipino’s official Instagram account (@tanghalang.pilipino).
Cover image credit: @tanghalang.pilipino
