Cherie Gil Stars in PETA’s Arbol de Fuego: 3 Reasons Why It’s a Must-See
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After three successful runs of the local smash hit Rak of Aegis and another Filipino production, FnL, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) dials down from the euphoria and takes on a more somber turn with Arbol de Fuego, a re-imagining of a world classic.
A local retelling of Anton Chekhov’s Cherry Orchard, Arbol de Fuego stars veteran actress Cherie Gil in this tragicomedy about Enriquetta Jardeleza-Sofronio, who comes home to Negros in the late ‘70s, after wasting their family fortune in Madrid. She and younger brother Adjie (British International Film Award nominee Jake Macapagal) are advised to sell their family hacienda in order to pay off their rising debt. They refuse, however, insisting on reminiscing their wealth as they squander what’s left of their family fortune.
With a well-written screenplay by Rody Vera and under the stellar direction of Loy Arcenas, Arbol de Fuego gives you even more reasons not to miss this PETA production when it opens on February 20.
3 Reasons Why PETA’s Arbol de Fuego is a Must-See
3. Arbol de Fuego has a mega-powerhouse cast.
When a show has not only a powerhouse cast, but a MEGA-powerhouse cast, you know they mean business. While renowned actress Cherie Gil is the star of the production, the story revolves around an ensemble, which would mean the rest of the cast would need to be as brilliant and with as much star power as she does. Bembol Roco is the lovable but forgetful old man, Manoy Iking, while Leo Rialp plays an overbearing mooch of a neighbor, Chitong. Let’s not also forget British International Film Award nominee Jake Macapagal, who made waves abroad for the film Metro Manila. Some of the most talented thespians in the country round up the stellar casting.
 
2. The play reflects so much of Philippine history.
Cherry Orchard was written sometime in the 1890’s, yet it’s still highly reflective of Philippine culture and society up to now. Arbol de Fuego is set in the late ‘70s, back when opulence was at its peak during the Marcos era, with the sugar monopoly. It paints a not-so-pretty but darkly amusing picture of the decadent lifestyle of the elite, who go to absurd lengths just to maintain the illusion of their wealth and influence. It’s an interesting look on society, something that still remains relevant even in present times.
1. It’s by PETA — enough said.
As PETA wraps up its season with a masterpiece, we all know this is going to be a must-see. Helmed by a pool of the most talented artists in the theater, you just know Arbol de Fuego will be, as they say, “a feast for the senses”.
Arbol de Fuego runs at the PETA Theater Center from February 20 to March 15.
Get your tickets at: https://www.ticketworld.com.ph
