Photos / Erickson dela Cruz and CJ Ochoa
Movies, TV shows, and theatre productions use many tools to advance the story. Dialogue is a way to move the plot along, but some use devices like red herrings, quests, or cliffhangers. Others use more subtle methods to tell a story or give a scene or character a deeper meaning.
Mula sa Buwan, an original Filipino musical based on Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo’s translation of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac, intentionally uses costume design and choreography to advance the plot.
The story follows Cyrano, his beloved Roxane, and the kindhearted Christian. Mula sa Buwan takes Rostand’s play and Rodrigo’s translation to 1940s Manila, where wide-eyed dreamers and misfits explore themes of love, friendship, and ideals. Everything is put to the test when war strikes, and they must fight for their place in an ever-changing city.
Costuming as storytelling
Photo / Kyle Venturillo
“Costumes help define characters, indicate changes in time and place, and enhance the overall visual narrative alongside the actors. The costumes support every scene by highlighting a certain mood or theme or providing contrast to build tension and depth,” Bonsai Cielo, Mula sa Buwan‘s costume designer, told WheninManila.com.
Mula sa Buwan‘s wardrobe reflects the era’s utility dressing style. This style is known for its practicality, with little waste made during production. Some notable ensembles from this era are the utility suit, which is a menswear-inspired tailored skirt suit, and a knee-length shirtwaist dress inspired by the film Kitty Foyle. Men favored a broad-shouldered silhouette.
Cielo stresses that the costumes are more stylized and symbolic rather than strictly focusing on the period’s aesthetic. This run of Mula sa Buwan has defiance as its theme, and Cielo ensured this translated to the wardrobe.
“Mikko [Angeles], our director, wanted to develop the theme of defiance, which I think is the most relatable part of the production. Everyone struggles, and whether those struggles are internal or external, in whatever scale or context, past or present, they inspired the new costume pieces for this run.”
Photo / May Celeste
Cielo also took inspiration from Cyrano’s state of mind. Cielo noted, “As his emotions and thoughts evolve throughout the story, the costumes reflect these changes, helping the audience to connect more deeply with his journey and their own experiences.”
Eagle-eyed fans will notice that some of the costumes from previous runs of Mula sa Buwan also appear this year. Cielo says that the wardrobe for this run is like a sequel since they reused costumes from past productions. She and her team ensured that the pieces worked for each scene, which now has a different perspective, and decided on any necessary additions to convey the message.
“When we did the 2022 run, it felt like we’d completed the journey. This run aims to take the story further, exploring parts that would make audiences appreciate the previous one even more. This was a challenge for the costume team, as we needed to add new elements to highlight the significance of the past, both within the play and beyond.”
Anchored on storytelling
Photo / CJ Ochoa
JM Cabling, who has choreographed Mula sa Buwan since 2016, found inspiration from many sources. An important source is the musical’s previous runs, as he didn’t want to change the choreography just for the sake of changing. In creating the movement, he asks: “Palagi kong hinahanap ang role ng movement, na bukod sa spectacle nito, bakit necessary ito?“
He was also inspired by dances and theater in Manila in the 1940s, everyday observations on how people move and dance, explorations with the dance captains, and the cast’s capacity. Cabling told WheninManila.com, “ibang klaseng collaboration ito with this new cast kaya excited akong mapanood ninyo ito. Ang saya makipagbaliwan kapag lahat sila pumapatol dito.”
He also kept what he could from the 2022 run. He said, “May pagkakaiba dahil sa mga ino-offer ng bagong cast at sa bagong vision ni Mikko. Bukod sa love, hinanapan namin sa choreography kung paano mas maipapakita ang defiance.“
Photo / Jaypee Maristaza
The choreography is still anchored on storytelling, but this year, it’s “mas makabuluhan at mas exciting. Mas nagkaroon ako ng oras para mas busisiin kung ano pang aspeto sa choreography ang maari pang i-improve, para mas maging klaro, para mas matapang, para mas angkop sa hinihingi ng eksena. Sobrang na-enjoy ko ang process kasi ang open lang namin sa ideas at sa mga bagong posibilidad.”
Cabling added, “Exciting ding makita na hindi ‘perfect ang dancing.’ Baka dito namin mas maipapakita kung bakit ang Mula sa Buwan ay kwento ng mga misfits, fools, and dreamers.“
Mula sa Buwan is directed by Mikko Angeles. Joining him are Myke Salomon as musical director, Ohm David as set designer, and Meliton Roxas Jr. as lighting designer. The musical features a book, adaptation, and lyrics by Pat Valera and music and lyrics by William Elvin Manzano.
Mula sa Buwan has a limited run from August 16 to September 8, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.
Tickets for all show dates are now available via Ticketworld or bit.ly/msb2024tickets. For more information, visit mulasabuwan.com.
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