TANGHALANG Pilipino (TP) has begun its mission to expose the truth to the new generation.

The CCP Black Box Theater has officially opened its doors for the 37th theater season of the drama company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), with Anak Datu being the opening theater production.

Anak Datu is one of the three productions that TP will stage in this year’s season, which has the theme “UNFILTER!” 

TP previously told republicasia during the launching of this year’s season that it aims to convey the truth to the youth and encourage them to speak about it.

For theater actors Paul Jake Paule and Carlos Dala, Anak Datu has a huge role in delivering the truth to the youth, especially the stories that haven’t been heard by many young individuals about the history of Muslims in Mindanao and what they have been fighting for.

“‘Yun talaga yung pinanghuhugutan namin na itong palabas na ito ay mapanuod ng mga kabataan kasi sila talaga yung dapat makaalam nito kasi sila din yung magpapasa sa susunod na henerasyon,” Paule shared with republicasia.

“Marami sa kanila hindi na talaga nila alam o walang idea sa kung ano yung nangyari, particularly halimbawa sa Mindanao. Ano ba yung history na meron tayo doon na nakakaapaketo sa atin, sa sitwasyon natin ngayon,” he added.

First staged in September 2022, Anak Datu follows the story of a son of a village chieftain who was born in captivity during pre-colonial Philippines and grew up believing that his father was a former pirate.

The production is based on the original story of the same name by National Artist Abdulmari Imao.

Intertwining this plot were two different stories: the story of Imao and his relationship with his family, and the Jabidah and Malisbong massacres that happened in 1968 and 1974, respectively. 

Written by Rody Vera and directed by Chris Millado, the theatrical adaptation also touched on the time when the Japanese animated series Voltes V was banned from the Philippine television during Martial Law.

Paule plays the role of Abdulmari Imao, while Dala portrays Imao’s son Toym Imao and the young Karim who is the son of the village chieftain.

While Gen Zs are aware of current social and political issues, Dala said that many of them are unaware about the country’s history, particularly the infamous events that happened in Mindanao.

“May mga pinaglalaban sila, pero hindi nila alam saan nanggaling, ano yung pinanggalingan, tulad ng Mindanao. Ano ba yung situation nila ngayon? Bakit magulo pa rin?” the actor said.

He added, “May malaking kasaysayan at malaking katotohanan na kailangan pang makita ng mga kabataan at marinig kaya through Anak Datu, doon kami nag-iingay para sa katotohanan.”

Realizations

Paule and Dala also shared with republicasia their realizations as they portray their roles in Anak Datu.

Through the character of Abdulmari Imao, Paule said he realized that peace won’t spread in the community if it will not start within members of a family.

“Doon sa pinakamaliit na unit ng lipunan, which is yung family, kailangan magsimula doon yung mismong peace, yung mismong pagkakaintindihan, yung mismong pagkakaunawaan para maikalat mo sa mas malaki pang bahagi ng lipunan,” Paule said.

As a theater actor, Carlos said he saw how Filipinos’ ancestors made an impact in today’s world through their arts.

“Isang malaking realization ko through my characters is that, yung mga kabataan ngayon, yung totoong mundo ay repleksyon din ng sining ng ating mga ninuno,” he noted.

“So, isang magandang paraan talaga na ikwento natin yung katotohanan sa pamamaraan ng teatro at pag-arte,” he added.

Changes

TP’s 37th season gave Anak Datu the opportunity to be restaged for the second time.

Theater fans can expect a lot of new things in the restaging of Anak Datu, including new actors like Paule and Ramli Abdurahim who is a Tausug from Zamboanga, said Dala.

The cast members are also joined by HassanainMagarang, who is from Marawi and plays the role of Datu Karim.

Toym Imao himself also took part in the theatrical adaptation of his father’s Anak Datu as its set designer.

“Marami kayong ma-e-expect sa art [at] sa set,” Dala said.

TP’s Artistic Director Nanding Josef also said that theater fans may observe many changes in the play.

“Marami pong bago na makikita niyo na maaaring hindi nakita noong una, at mas napagdikit-dikit po naming mabuti yung tatlong storya na puro tungkol sa katotohanan,” he said.

Anak Datu will be staged at the CCP Black Box Theater until October 15.