BANAAG AT SIKAT: ISANG ROCK MUSICAL
National Artist Projects: Bienvenido Lumbera & Salvador Bernal
in cooperation with the NCCA & CCP

In an unprecedented move, National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera and Salvador Bernal collaborate on an exciting new musical based on Lope K. Santos’ groundbreaking novel about the breakup of the Filipino family and the rise of socialism in the country.

It is Maytime, 1906, in the pilgrimage town of Antipolo. In this rustic setting, a clash is about to unfold on a problem of urbanization. Don Ramon Miranda and Don Felimon, capitalist owners of El Progreso, a cigar factory in Manila, argue with Delfin, a progressive journalist who is also a suitor of Meni, Don Ramon’s daughter, about the labor problem in the factory. This clash of ideas becomes all too personal when Delfin, later supported by Felipe, Don Ramon’s ahijado (godson), defends the workers on their struggle for their rights.

This incident sparks a chain of complicated events – a daughter’s banishment and disinheritance, illicit affairs, a mysterious murder, ideological clashes – that reflect only too well the shifting forces in Philippine society.

Libretto: Bienvenido Lumbera
Music: Lucien Letaba
Production Design: Salvador Bernal, Jr.
Direction: José Estrella
August 06 – 08, 13 – 15, 20 – 22, 27 – 29 CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino

AMERICAN HWANGAP
By Lloyd Suh (Filipino translation by Joi Barrios)
in cooperation with the Lark Play Development Center (USA)

Min Suk Chun is turning 60, and he’s back in West Texas after leaving his family almost 15 years ago. As his ex-wife and three adult children wrestle with their broken past in preparing this American Hwangap (a 60th birthday ritual celebrating the completion of the Eastern zodiac), an aging Korean would-be cowboy is back at the head of the table. But before the end of the night, he’ll probably end up sitting in a tree without his pants on.

Playwright : Lloyd Suh
Filipino translation: Joi Barrios
Direction : Chris Millado
September 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26, October 01 – 03 CCP — Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino

ANG HUKUMAN NI SINUKUAN
National Artist Project: Virgilio Almario
in cooperation with the NCCA

A children’s musical based on a folk tale as retold by Rio Alma.

Do you ever wonder why the little crab (talangka) always hides under the sand, or why the mosquito persistently buzzes in your ear? This folk tale may have the answer, and what mighty lesson the answer contains! The folk tale as retold by national artist Virgilio Almario is adapted into a play produced by Tanghalang Pilipino. The play traces the source of chaos among the animals in Mount Arayat, which has to be resolved in the court of Mariang Sinukuan. The little crab instigates an act that appears like a prank that triggered the mosquito’s aggressive behavior. The mosquito, looking like a war freak vigilante, creates a chain reaction among the other animals. Misinterpretation aggravates the situation, while violence and mayhem ensue. The animals then see that whatever they do affects the others. In the end, Mariang Sinukuan teaches us a lesson about justice and accountability. Through music, fun and excitement, the play will show us that we must own up to the consequences of our actions.

Libretto: Liza Magtoto
Music: Jed Balsamo
Direction: Tess Jamias
November 19 – 21, 26 – 28, December 03 – 05, 10 -12 CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute