Written by Sabina Fernandez and Fiona Dionzon of Teatro Paulino
Now on their ninth season, St. Paul College Pasig’s Teatro Paulino is a theater class under the Giftedness Instruction For Talent Development program, a way for students to hone their talents through a specialized subject of their choosing. The class is home to many who share the same passion for the art of theater, all of whom work together to stage plays annually.
The theater class’s culminating production for this school year is entitled Sa Loob ng Walong Sampung Minuto, comprising eight short plays that, as mentioned in the title, last a total of 10 minutes each. The production is co-directed by and under supervision of Teatro Paulino’s moderator, Mr. Bong Cabrera.
The production features eight short plays written by fellows in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Artist Training Division’s Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program who so generously permit Teatro Paulino to stage them. These plays include:
Bago Magkaroon ng Panibagong Mundo by Sherina Mae S. Inza-Cruz
Cathy’s Questions by Kyle Pandapatan
Comfort Room by Steph Andaya
Drop Zone by Miyo Sta. Maria
Kung Paano Magsintas ng Sapatos by Janina Faith T. Gacosta
Reunion by Zazza Simbulan
Snatcher by Aresnio Mari M. Armas
UPCAT by Nicko Manipis de Guzman
Although each story comes with different themes and characters, they all have the same goal: to impact the audience in a matter of ten minutes. With their short length and variety in plot, there are many lessons to interpret and never a dull moment. We often look for great works, not knowing that we are surrounded by numerous talented countrymen. Filipinos pour their heart into everything they do, crafting each artwork based on true emotions and experiences. These plays are no exception.
Sa Loob ng Walong Sampung Minuto will be staged in St. Paul College Pasig’s Mini Theater on February 1-3, 2018. All that’s needed is 150 pesos and eighty minutes to enter different worlds in one sitting. Watch Teatro Paulino bring these stories to life through their creativity, talents, and skills.
