For its 40th year, Teatro Tomasino, the official university-wide theater guild of the University of Santo Tomas, presents its anniversary production, Dismissal. A twin-bill production featuring Isang Mukha ng Pandaraya and Sandaling Tagpo.
Inspired by the idea of time and in celebration of Teatro Tomasino’s 40 years of excellence, the theme Banaag at Sikat from its literal meaning, from early dawn to full light, portrays an endless cycle of the sun, as it continues to serve its purpose for the Thomasian community.
Dismissal is the unifying title to represent both plays as they tackle social injustice within the academe. Isang Mukha ng Pandaraya, written by Oggie Arcenas, an associate professor in UP College of Economics and an active member of Writer’s Bloc, features the story of failing student, Amor, who accuses Isadora, your quintessential perfect, Catholic school girl of academic dishonesty.
The staging, according to director and organization alumnus Leah Zamoras, aims to explore and question the mechanics of a failed outmoded system endemic within these institutions. In addition, she hopes for the script to become an opportunity for the members to learn and engage the social issues in the context of their time.
Sandaling Tagpo, written by Jose Victor Torres, an associate professor at the History Department of the De La Salle University-Manila and a Carlos Palanca Memorial Hall of Famer, tells the story of Literature professor, Manuel De Vera, as he comes to terms with his resignation from the university. Later on, he meets his former student who would serve as his replacement.
Lendro Enore, also a former alumnus and director of Sandaling Tagpo, wanted to tackle the idea and politics of forbidden relationships, if and when it happens. This comes as timely in a time when sexual harassment cases is a hot and sensitive topic. Sandaling Tagpo serves as a reverse optic from the eyes of the “accused.” Consequently, in humanizing the “accused,” does it somehow absolves him or her of public shame and scrutiny?
Dismissal starts on November 27 to November 29 with 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. performances. Ticket prices are: Regular (Php 170) and Student (Php 140) with special discounts and bulk ticket orders. Theater venue is located at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex inside the University of Santo Tomas, Espana, Manila. Tickets are available in front of Tan Yan Kee Center, UST but payment can also be made through GCash at any of the following locations: 7-Eleven (CLIQQ), SM Bayad Centers, Globe Centers, Tambunting Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuiller, Villarica Pawnshop, and Puregold. Ticket reservations can be made by signing up in a google form posted on our facebook page: https: //www.facebook.com/TeatroTomasino/ or you may contact Patricia Supapo (0905 421 5255) or Charlene Afurong (0905 626 2579).
Teatro Tomasino’s Dismissal is made possible through the following initial sponsors: Stratminds, Inc., Jack Up Your Style by Team Sir George Salon, Trampoline Park, and Artstyle.
