Photos / Solidaridad Publishing House, Hiyas, Anvil Publishing
The Philippines is a treasure trove of literary masterpieces. We have 18 National Artists for Literature and a rich collection of awardees for the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. In addition to these two recognitions, we have countless writers who have produced moving pieces of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, and output for film, TV, music, and theater.
We all know that books are constantly adapted into movies or TV shows. But did you know that there are also plenty of novels that have been adapted for the stage?
Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), the resident drama company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, is launching its 38th season, called REVOLT, and they are adapting three books:
BALETE
Photo / Tanghalang Pilipino
TP’s BALETE is a stage adaptation of National Artist F. Sionil Jose’s Tree. Tree is the second book (chronologically) in the Rosales Saga, published from 1962 to 1984.
The adaptation, created in collaboration with the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, tells the story of a young boy navigating life in a small Ilokano town.
Surrounded by friends from different social classes, loyal servants who have devoted their lives to his family, and relatives with deep-rooted expectations, the boy grapples with the challenges of growing up in a divided society where class distinctions shape identities and destinies. As he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, he finds himself at odds with the entrenched power structures that dictate the lives of those around him. Balete reflects on the enduring struggle for freedom and the transformative power of courage.
Show Dates: September 13 to October 6, 2024
Cast: Nonie Buencamino, Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, Toni Go-Yadao, Gelo Molina, Earvin Estioco, Ynna Rafa
Artistic Team: Rody Vera (adaptation), Chris Millado (direction), Delphine Buencamino (associate direction and movement direction), Teresa Barrozo (music arrangement and sound design), Wika Nadera (set design), Carlos Siongco (costume design), Jana Jimenez (projection design), Roman Cruz (lighting design), and Sabrina Basilio (dramaturgy)
Tickets: https://bit.ly/TP38BALETE
Sandosenang Sapatos
Photo / Tanghalang Pilipino
Sandosenang Sapatos is based on the short story by Palanca Hall of Famer Dr. Luis Gatmaitan. The adaptation is a musical that follows a child’s journey to fulfill her shoemaker father’s dream of having a ballerina for a daughter. Unfortunately, the child was born without feet.
Each year, on her birthday, the child enters the world of enchanting shoes, where the Shoe Fairy gives her a pair of feet, allowing her to dance to her heart’s desire. However, she loses her feet whenever she leaves the enchanting world and faces her father’s disappointment. It takes a tragedy for her to understand the depths of her father’s love truly. Sandosenang Sapatos highlights the power of familial love and the significance of cherishing our loved ones, especially those with unique needs.
Show Dates: November 15 to December 8, 2024
Cast: Felicity Kyle Napuli (Susie), Wincess Jem Yana (Susie), Tex Ordoñez-De Leon (Nanay), Gie Onida (Tatay), Mica Fajardo (Ate Karina), Marynor Madamesila (Diwata), Mark Lorenz (One-Year-Old), Murline Uddin (Two Years Old), Francis Gatmaytan (Three Years Old), Natasha Cabrera (Yellowy), Lance Soliman (Red), Heber O’Hara (Bluey), MC Dela Cruz (Sandals), Bea Remollo (Maong), Gelo Molina (Pinky), Trisha Rolda (Sequins), Sarah Monay (Whitey), and Paula Espinola (Ballerina).
Artistic Team: Layeta Bucoy (adaptation), Jonathan Tadioan (direction), Joed Balsamo and Noel Cabangon (music), Jed Balsamo (musical direction and arrangement), Stephen Viñas (choreography), Marco Viaña and Paw Castillo (production design), Gabo Tolentino (lighting design), and TJ Ramos (sound design)
Musicians: Tyrone Mateos (pianist), RJ Alfafara (percussionist), and Jordan Amaca (guitarist)
Tickets: https://bit.ly/TP38SANDOSENANGSAPATOS
Kisapmata
Photo / Tanghalang Pilipino
This play is based on the crime report The House on Zapote Street by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin and the film adaptation called Kisapmata by Mike De Leon. Kisapmata is considered one of the best works in Philippine cinematic history.
Once upon a time, a retired policeman, his wife, and his daughter lived inside a house on Zapote Street—a haven of domestic bliss, a home of love and order, and a portrait of the perfect Filipino family. Until one day, the daughter falls in love with a man. Suddenly, the home is under threat. The world is not safe. The Filipino family must be defended at all costs. Tatay knows best. Trust in Tatay. Trust no one else.
Kisapmata is the unraveling of a “perfect” Filipino family on stage, brought to life by the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company. Experience the tension and drama as love and fear collide within the confines of a seemingly idyllic household.
Show Dates: March 7 to 30, 2025
Cast: Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, and Toni Go-Yadao
Artistic Team: Guelan Varela-Luarca with the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company (adaptation and direction), Rafa Jimenez and Katrina Batara (assistant direction), Jerry Respeto (dramaturgy), JM Cabling (movement direction), Joey Mendoza (set design), Bonsai Cielo (costume design), Arvy Dimaculangan (sound design and engineer), and D Cortezano (lighting design and technical direction)
Tickets: https://bit.ly/TP38KISAPMATA
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