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On September 11, Ateneo de Manila University’s Entablado, a socio-political theatre organization will open its 28th season with Christine Bellen’s original Filipino musical entitled “Si Pilandok at Ang Bayan ng Bulawan”. The musical play will be presented at the Meralco Theater (Ortigas Avenue corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City) on Saturday (September 11, 2010) at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The musical play is inspired by the historical EDSA People Power Revolution where the play uses a “kwentong bayan” framework to encourage unity to each one towards nation building. Pilandok, the trickster of Bayan ng Bulawan, aims to retrieve the bright star Bulawan from the control of the corrupted Datu Usman, and evil henchmen Orochimaru. Pantas (Wisdom), Banal (Faith), Yumi (Beauty), Gara (Wealth) and Lakas (Strength), heroes from other villages join Pilandok after his confrontation of Datu Usman.
Ms. Bellen, known for the retelling of the Lola Basyang children’s stories and playwright of children’s plays, “Batang Rizal” and “Ang Unang Baboy sa Langit”, pens the musical. Dr. Jerry Respeto, known for directing and translating plays for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Dulaang UP (DUP), directs together with Ateneo professor Jethro Tenorio. Tuxqs Rotaquio of DUP designs the sets and costumes. Dr. Christine Muyco, UP Music professor, and Jema Pamintuan, Ateneo professor, compose the music.
Belen wanted to show the new generation about what happen in the streets of EDSA in 1986 through a folklore format so that the younger audience will understand. ““We wanted to show that the story of EDSA 1986 was the story of all Filipinos. It wasn’t only for us who went to the streets to topple a dictatorship then, but it was also for the succeeding generations,” she added. She uses the trickster tale of Pilandok a folktale of the Maranaos in Mindanao which is popular story in the South. “We used him to symbolize that people can also ‘play tricks’ on their leaders who steal from them. This was a clear manifestation in EDSA 1”, she ended.
Dr. Respeto and Mr. Tenorio fuse the tradition and the modern for the play to be able to relate with the youth. “Dances are a mix of Asian and modern; conversations use the ‘old’ Filipino poetics and the popular ‘Taglish’,” says Dr. Tenorio.
The play teaches and calls for everyone, young and old, to take part in creating a nation immersed in solidarity, trust and integrity that was inspired by People Power, and the life and death of Ninoy and Cory Aquino. Theatergoers are challenged to engage its society, and uphold values of justice and freedom.
Proceeds from the musical will be for the Youth Leadership and Formation Program of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), and Tulong Dunong. For inquiries, contact Mika Millar at (63)917.553.6261 and (632)892.5360. Ticket Prices: Php 300.00 and Php 250.00.
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