UP Manila Dramatista (UPMD), the official and premiere university-wide theatre organization in the University of the Philippines Manila, embarks on a new chapter of a bright and quirky season in their 11th Year. As they continue to bring the essence of traditional theatre in the online sphere, UPMD will be staging Dramarathonline 2021 on November 17-19, 2021, with the theme ParaLOL Lives: Stories of the Upside Down. Dramarathonline is the spin-off of their annual season opener, Dramarathon, that will deliver three one- act plays with a comic and hopeful taste as they present bold reflections parallel to the harsh realities of today.
To Alex, From Alex
Written by Mikhael Paulo Alon, Jannie Nikolai Alquero, Andrea Pearl Areno, Arvin John Malapo, Bryan Tristan Mallari, & Erica Michelle Miranda
Directed by Erica Michelle Miranda
Sina Alex at Alex: magkaparehong pangalan, magkatunog na address, ngunit magkaiba ang mga kwento. Sa pagkakapalit ng kanilang mga padala, maging sandalan kaya nila ang isa’t isa nang hindi pa nagkikita at kung unti-unti nang nawawalan ng kulay ang kanilang mga mundo?
IN OR OUT
Written by Llana Marie Cabajar and Justin Denopol
Directed by Gianne Romero
Are you in or out? Either way, wag nang magpatumpik-tumpik pa because THE DIRECTOR is once again in! The search for the Philippines’ next top influencer is FINALLY ON! Brought to you by the reality show na real na real, comes the reality of new housemates and their dreams.
Sino kaya ang next big winner sa bahay ni Ate? Strap into your seats, another binge-worthy series is coming your way!
Ang Pinakamasayang Tao sa Odnum
Written by Rennie Rose Teodoro, Selena Dela Cruz, & Rhia Garcia
Directed by Rennie Rose Teodoro and Lalaine Quinan
Tapos na ang pandemya, pero bakit parang tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang mga problema? Huwag mag-alala dahil siguradong may solusyon dyan! Ito na kaya talaga ang sagot sa mga problema mo? Halina’t sama-sama nating alamin kung paano ka matutulungan ng isang gamot.Â
The Dramarathonline 2021 – ParaLOL Lives: Stories of the Upside Down will be held via a live Facebook group, exclusively created for its audience. Tickets are available through the link bit.ly/PARALOLTICKETS. With just 100 pesos, you can watch all three bizarre plays UPMD has in store, and you may also help in giving assistance to their chosen beneficiary, the Philippine General Hospital.
More than the purpose of entertainment, UPMD aims to be an active voice of the people whose side of the story is usually overlooked. Past the optimistic ideologies and wishful facades we hold on to during these trying times, the production shows a glimpse of the trials faced by the Filipinos in adjusting to the new normal. This serves as a reminder that alongside the changes we undergo whilst the situation, we must never forget to put oneself in others’ shoes and reach out by any means, even through the use of the love and passion for the theatre and arts.
