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‘Balete,’ ‘Sandosenang Sapatos,’ ‘Kisapmata’  to be staged in Tanghalang Pilipino’s 38th season

by Joanna Deala

MONTHS after staging its last production for its previous theater season, Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) will open the doors of the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in Manila to stage a new lineup of productions for its 38th theater season.

Last year, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) resident drama company had the theme of “UNFILTER!” to expose the young generation to the truth

Now with the theme of “REVOLT,” TP promised to continue fighting for human rights, justice, and peace in the Philippines and the world by staging three productions that will tackle freedom, courage, love and family.

“We are taking REVOLT, both in its radical meaning, to rebel for change or transformation, and the original meaning, to roll back, or the reversal to a prior bond of loyalty, of love,” said the drama company in a statement.

Here’s the new lineup for the 38th theater season, which will run from September 2024 to March 2025:

‘Balete’

TP’s 2024 season will kick off with the staging of “Balete,” a theater adaptation based on the novel “Tree” written by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose.

The story follows how a young boy navigates his life in a small Ilokano town, surrounded by other social classes, relatives, and his family’s long-time servants.

It is expected to highlight one’s “struggle for freedom” and the “transformative power of change,” according to TP.

TP and the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company will collaborate for “Balete’s” production, adapted by Rody Vera and directed by Chris Millado.

It will star actors Nonie Buencamino, Earvin Estioco, Gelo Molina, Ynna Rafa, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña and Toni Go-Yadao.

“Balete” will run from September 13 to October 6, 2024.

 ’Sandosenang Sapatos’

After making the audience shed tears in the 37th season, “Sandosenang Sapatos” will be restaged to touch the hearts of more theater-goers.

Based on a children’s story of the same name written by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, the musical play narrates the story of a young girl named Susie, who dreams of becoming a ballerina to fulfill her father’s wish. However, this goal is something hard to achieve as she was born without legs.

Aside from the family’s love, “Sandosenang Sapatos” will unwrap the meaning of true gift-giving.

The production is adapted by Layeta Bucoy and directed by Tadioan, with music from Hed Balsamo and Noel Cabangon. Young actresses Felicity Kyle Napuli and Wincess Jem Yana will alternate anew for the role of Susie.

If there’s something to prepare for “Sandosenang Sapatos,” it will probably be tissues as the family-oriented play will warm the audience’s hearts.

 “Sandosenang Sapatos” will be staged from November 15 to December 8, 2024.

‘Kisapmata’

The third and last production will be “Kisapmata,” adapted from a film by Mike de Leon and the crime report “The House on Zapote Street” by National Artist Nick Joaquin.

The story revolves around a seemingly “perfect” family—composed of a retired policeman, his wife, and their 23-year-old daughter named Lydia—that resides in a house on Zapote Street. However, their world is shaken when Lydia asks her father’s permission to marry a man named Leonardo.

“Experience the tension and drama as love and fear collide within the confines of a seemingly idyllic household. Tatay knows best. Trust in Tatay. Trust no one else,” wrote TP.

The play is adapted and directed by Guelan Varela-Luarca with the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company. It will feature Tadioan, Viaña, Nuevo-Tadioan, and Go-Yadao.

“Kisapmata” will run from March 7 to March 30, 2025.

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