The hope to change street children’s lives is a test for survival among fellow Filipinos living in poverty and cataclysm. Even with the consistent support of government and non-governmental agencies like Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Global Call to Action against Poverty and Bantay-Bata 163 of the Lopezes, these kids keep on increasing and increasing out on the streets. This upheaval is yet to be told in an artistic eloquence and susceptible lyricism.
Dulaang UP’s right choice to touch on this issue has overwhelmed the audience during its opening night held at Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater in UP Diliman last Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Anton Juan’s ‘Hinabing Pakpak Ng Ating Mga Anak’ narrates the stories of poverty and of dearth as children fight for true survival. These children – abused, tortured and harassed – are our true unsung heroes of Philippine society’s hope and realization for change. Juan’s elegy declares much sensitivity and calls all kinds of people to unite for justice and truth in Philippines’ decaying governance.
To parallel this theatrical event is to juxtapose the name late Rene Villanueva, a true artist and propagator of children’s mythical legends and stories in literature, be it a short story, poetry, essay and drama. Villanueva is considered by many artists as ‘father’ of children’s literature for he almost dealt his life for children. Aside from creating stories in literature, he went on to pursue exposures in media – being the creator of a popular children’s show ‘Batibot’ during the 90’s and soon followed with a whole lot more of children’s programs on television discussing refreshing insights and impact for both adult and kids. Villanueva was a recipient of many award-winning entries and even reached the ‘Hall of Fame’ stature in the annual Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature among other significant literary recognitions in the world of literature, theater and the arts.
Anton Juan, known for his first-rate visual and aural spectacle in the theater, proves once more of his intelligent use of theater as a medium of communicative transference and artistic expression to audience. His directing has a lot to say to the world and discusses the importance of memory and moments in Rene Villanueva’s literature to that of his true-to-life observations and experiences. With a keen translation of words to images, Juan creates effective symbols using Semiotics in dialogic way.
Juan collaborates with some of the noted and leading theater artists today. Among them are Alex Cortez (the new DUP artistic director), Dexter Santos (choreography), Leo Abaya (Production design), John Neil Ilao Batalla (lights design), Winter David (Video / Graphic design), Fabie Ortiz (managing director) and Jethro Joaquin (music and sounds design). These talented artists contributed a lot in the success of Juan’s staging.
The ensemble cast led by competent film-tv-theater artists Joel Saracho and Earl Ignacio, however, should put their transformations into a more truthful interpretation of the characters. Ensemble needs to realize the necessity for truth and sincerity in their acting as the staging calls for it urgently that is why immersions are encouraged in the theater for artists to observe and keep record of what the full-reality is.
Dulaang UP is making history in reaching Philippine institutions and agencies to do something for the welfare of the street children – our hope; our future. These kids are not just like dolls and toys; they’re human beings as well.
Anton Juan, now based in NotreDame University in Indiana, USA as a theater director-professor, pays tribute to late Rene Villanueva in a new devised theatrical experience.
Catch this engaging theater production at Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, UP Diliman. It opened July 16 and runs until August 10, 2008. For inquiries and ticket reservations, call (02) 926-13-49.
Dulaang UP’s right choice to touch on this issue has overwhelmed the audience during its opening night held at Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater in UP Diliman last Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Anton Juan’s ‘Hinabing Pakpak Ng Ating Mga Anak’ narrates the stories of poverty and of dearth as children fight for true survival. These children – abused, tortured and harassed – are our true unsung heroes of Philippine society’s hope and realization for change. Juan’s elegy declares much sensitivity and calls all kinds of people to unite for justice and truth in Philippines’ decaying governance.
To parallel this theatrical event is to juxtapose the name late Rene Villanueva, a true artist and propagator of children’s mythical legends and stories in literature, be it a short story, poetry, essay and drama. Villanueva is considered by many artists as ‘father’ of children’s literature for he almost dealt his life for children. Aside from creating stories in literature, he went on to pursue exposures in media – being the creator of a popular children’s show ‘Batibot’ during the 90’s and soon followed with a whole lot more of children’s programs on television discussing refreshing insights and impact for both adult and kids. Villanueva was a recipient of many award-winning entries and even reached the ‘Hall of Fame’ stature in the annual Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature among other significant literary recognitions in the world of literature, theater and the arts.
Anton Juan, known for his first-rate visual and aural spectacle in the theater, proves once more of his intelligent use of theater as a medium of communicative transference and artistic expression to audience. His directing has a lot to say to the world and discusses the importance of memory and moments in Rene Villanueva’s literature to that of his true-to-life observations and experiences. With a keen translation of words to images, Juan creates effective symbols using Semiotics in dialogic way.
Juan collaborates with some of the noted and leading theater artists today. Among them are Alex Cortez (the new DUP artistic director), Dexter Santos (choreography), Leo Abaya (Production design), John Neil Ilao Batalla (lights design), Winter David (Video / Graphic design), Fabie Ortiz (managing director) and Jethro Joaquin (music and sounds design). These talented artists contributed a lot in the success of Juan’s staging.
The ensemble cast led by competent film-tv-theater artists Joel Saracho and Earl Ignacio, however, should put their transformations into a more truthful interpretation of the characters. Ensemble needs to realize the necessity for truth and sincerity in their acting as the staging calls for it urgently that is why immersions are encouraged in the theater for artists to observe and keep record of what the full-reality is.
Dulaang UP is making history in reaching Philippine institutions and agencies to do something for the welfare of the street children – our hope; our future. These kids are not just like dolls and toys; they’re human beings as well.
Anton Juan, now based in NotreDame University in Indiana, USA as a theater director-professor, pays tribute to late Rene Villanueva in a new devised theatrical experience.
Catch this engaging theater production at Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, UP Diliman. It opened July 16 and runs until August 10, 2008. For inquiries and ticket reservations, call (02) 926-13-49.
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