Battalia Royale Live Action Game / Theatrical Play: Sipat Lawin Ensemble Battle Royale Philippines

When In Manila, you may have heard about this new type of interactive theatrical ensemble that’s got people abuzz.

I have to admit, I was a skeptic at first. I mean indie theatre might have too much of a hurdle with their grassroots movement and all, but this was different, Sipat Lawin Ensemble’s Battalia Royale totally took theatre to a whole new level!

Battalia Royale is a theatrical play taken loosely based on the Japanese Novel “Battle Royale (Batoru Rowaiaru)” where a class of about 40 high school students are set up in a kill or be killed situation. It was labeled as one of the most controversial films in Japanese entertainment and quickly changed the way people saw movies. If you’ve heard of the Hunger Games, many people say that the inspiration for that book came from Battle Royale, many even saying it was stolen from there… though we won’t get into that in this post.

Battle Royale Trailer – Cult Classic Movie (2000)

Back to the Filipino live action game version known as Battalia Royale.

They had an overwhelmingly successful run at the CCP recently, well not inside, but they held the play outside the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which drew lots of praise.

Because of this, Sipat Lawin Ensemble had another short run of Battalia Royale, this time held at an abandoned school somewhere in Manila. For a few nights, the empty and spooky “Victoria School Ruins” was transformed into the playground for the “Our Lady of Guadalupe High School class Hope.”

If that alone isn’t enough to get you excited, once there, you’ll find that the “stage” for this play isn’t really a stage, but the ENTIRE school itself.

Weapons for the Battalia Royale. Choose wisely.

After each Battalia Royale scene, you’ll have to run, claw, bribe and/or seduce your way to the next act where only the fastest or smartest get the best views. You’re either sitting on the floor or standing while watching an act. Your prime real estate or spot though quickly changes as the scenes change and you rush up stairs, around abandoned classrooms, over the school playgrounds and even into a dirty, empty pool. They creatively used the entire school as their stage while seamlessly blending in and interacting with the crowd.

Map of the Victoria School Ruins (our venue) by @helgatheweber of https://blog.ditz-revolution.net/

Another really cool and progressive part about Battalia Royale was how you get to choose your own adventure! There were times when scenes were held simultaneously and you had to choose which area of the school to run to and watch. A tough decision to make, especially if you’re like me, totally getting into the whole story!

Furthermore, the crowd also does a lot of interaction. From the start of the evening, where there was an ice-breaker game with the crowd and the actors, to a Battalia Royale scene where we, the viewing population looking through a seemingly one-sided mirror, get to choose whether or not a particular student survives. I was actually in a very sadistic crowd that cheered for the student’s death. Damn angry people!

Most photos were taken from the Battalia Royale Page (link at bottom of post) unless otherwise noted.

Oh and if going to see Battalia Royale, don’t forget to wear something comfortable! From the outdoor Philippine weather, to the running around, sitting on the floor and splattering blood from the actors, it really turns out to be your not-so-typical-play type of experience.

Oh oh oh, and did I mention the great score from The Radioactive Sago Project? Well yeah, The Radioactive Sago Project was there and they gave a great score!

Radioactive Sago Project: Humanap Ka Ng Panget

Anyway, it was REALLY a unique and interactive event and the energy level of the crowd was really awesome! You could see it rubbing off on the actors and they totally delivered a great performance! Every running and killing moment was an adrenaline rush!

Best of all, Sipat Lawin’s Battalia Royale was really well organized! I mean considering the big cast of over 40 people, plus a pretty big crowd, add to that having to move stages and don’t forget all the lighting, sounds, safety and a live band! They did pretty well in my opinion as I never felt in danger and there was never an idle moment! I swear we were all running to get a good view of the action and it was still pretty organized throughout the chaos.

Sipat Lawin Ensemble Battalia Royale: Live Action Game / Theatrical Play (Battle Royale Philippines)

Before you go to any future Battalia Royale Live Action Plays, here are the reminders printed out on the ticket Battalia Royale ticket itself, just so you know what you’re getting into.

1. Watch at your own risk. Parental guidance is advised.

2. Safety first.

3. Fight and/or negotiate for a good view of the action.

4. Keep your hands to yourself.

5. You can see them, they can’t see you. You can’t touch them, they can push you. Be alert.

6. In case of emergency, follow your guards.

7. Notify guards if you want to leave the space.

8. Bouncers and guards are everywhere. FYI.

9. Choose your own adventure wisely.

10. Watch at your own risk. Enjoy.

Battalia Royale Story:

Battalia Royale takes place in contemporary Philippines. 40 students from the Junior Class of Our Lady of Guadalupe High School in Manila are on their way to a school excursion when they are kidnapped, sedated and rerouted to an unknown location. At the beginning of the play, the audience are taken to the riverside, where they see the unconscious students piled in a mass of bodies.

When they awake, the students and the audience are greeted by a number of armed guards and the game’s facilitator/commentator, Fraser Salamon. Salamon informs the students that they are participants in this round of Battalia Royale. Each student has been fitted with a collar which monitors their breath and pulse. At the end of the evening, if more than one student remains alive, all the collars will self-destruct, killing all the students.

Bang. The game begins.

Kung Maka Dokyu Wagas Battalia Royale Teaser

Battalia Royale Live Action Game / Theatrical Play: Sipat Lawin Ensemble Battle Royale Philippines

When In Manila, you MUST, I digress, YOU REALLY ABSOLUTELY MUST MUST MUST go see Battalia Royale interactive theatre experience brought to you by the Sipat Lawin Ensemble! It’s a one of a kind experience that’ll change the way you see theatre forever!

Don’t forget, life is just a game. Oh and go Kakai!