Areté, Ateneo de Manila University’s creativity and innovation hub, together with Tanghalang Ateneo, the university’s longest-running theater company, proudly restages Sintang Dalisay. This Filipino adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet fuses the translation of National Artist Rolando S. Tinio with a 1904 poem by G.D. Roke. Directed by the late Ricardo G. Abad with Guelan Varela-Luarca, the production honors Dr. Abad’s enduring legacy in Philippine theater.
Set in an imagined Muslim community in Southern Philippines, Sintang Dalisay reimagines the timeless story of star-crossed lovers. Rashiddin and Jamila must navigate their secret love amidst the longstanding feud between their families, the Mustaphas and Kalimuddins. This adaptation blends Shakespeare’s tragedy with the Filipino spirit of festive love and enduring hope, brought to life through the Igal dance of the Sama-Bajau people and neo-ethnic and gamelan music.
This production is part of Tanghalang Ateneo’s ELOQUENTIA, SAPIENTIA, HUMANITAS: The Ricky Season, a tribute to the late theater veteran. Dr. Abad first directed Sintang Dalisay in 2011. The following year, it won ALIW Awards for Best Non-Musical Production and Best Direction for a Non-Musical Production. In 2016, it earned the Silver Medal for Production at the 3rd International Experimental Theater Festival in Vietnam. Its 2024 revival garnered four nominations at the BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards, including Best Play, Best Ensemble, and Best Choreography for Matthew Santamaria. The production’s music direction, helmed by Edru Abraham, Jayson “Dyandi” Gildore, and Aurea Dagnalan, also received acclaim. The production also boasts the remarkable Southeast Asian-inspired design of National Artist Salvador Bernal.
This 2025 restaging is more than a performance; it is a tribute to Dr. Abad’s vision and his transformative contributions to Philippine theater, which continue to inspire generations.
The production, Tanghalang Ateneo’s third offering this season, features the return of Maliana Beran and Karl Borromeo as the star-crossed lovers, Jamila and Rashiddin. Joining them are an ensemble of members, alumni, and professional theater artists: Jerome Dawis, Fred Layno, James Reyes, Yani Lopez, Lars Salamante, Sophia Alba, Nicole Chua, Sachi Dris, Roldine Ebrada, Ian Beriña, Kaiser Cortina, Joaquin De Los Santos, Paul Felias, Philippe Reyes, Catherine Valentin, and Maxine Ventura.
Artistic Team
- Direction: Ricardo G. Abad and Guelan Varela-Luarca
- Assistant Direction: Teia Contreras and Isaiah Canlas
- Dramaturgy: Sabrina Basilio
- Choreography and Associate Direction: Matthew Santamaria
- Fight Choreography and Assistant Choreography: Brian Sy
- Music Design: Jayson “Dyandi” Gildore
- Music Consultation: Edru Abraham
- Production Design: Salvador Bernal and Tata Tuviera
- Lighting Design: D Cortezano
- Assistant Lighting Design: Rafa Sumilong
- Sound Design: John Robert Yam
- Assistant Sound Design: Carlos Hombrebueno
- Photography: Pat Ong
- Graphic Design: Zoe de Ocampo
- Assistant Graphic Design: Bryce Tamayo
- Dance Mentors: Radzmina Tanjili, Mark Tanjili, and Kiram Ignacio
- Dance Repetiteurs: Nicole Chua, Yani Lopez, and Sachi Dris
Show Schedule
February 14 – 23, 2024
- 2:00 PM – February 15, 16, 22, and 23
- 7:30 PM – February 14, 15, 21, 22, and 23
Ticket Prices
- Orchestra Seats:
- Php 1,200.00 – General Public
- Php 600.00 – ADMU Community, faculty, and students from partnered schools
- Balcony Seats:
- Php 800.00 – General Public
- Php 600.00 – ADMU Community, faculty, and students from partnered schools
Purchase Tickets Online: bit.ly/ta46sdtickets
For Bulk Ticket Inquiries
Contact Marketing Head Camille Abaya at tanghalangateneo.externals@gmail.com
Subject line: “SD BULK BUY – [Your Name or Organization]”
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