The second installment of Gantimpala Theater's Four Classics, Kanser (Noli Me Tangere) penned by award-winning playwright Jomar Fleras, under the direction of Adriana Agcaoili, brings back on stage the life of the European educated Don Crisostomo Ibarra and his lady love Maria Clara, and the many interesting and intriguing characters of San Diego.
Director
Adriana Agcaoili says, "The Noli Me Tangere, Dr. Jose Rizal's first
novelis the basis for Fleras' award-winning play, Kanser. As a
historical record, his novel is a powerful and very real testament that Rizal--and all the revolutionary Eliases, the victimized Sisas and Crispins, and the
broken idealists like Ibarra--made for our motherland. As live theater, Fleras'
play makes for an entertaining two hours of watching and what is wonderful
about it is that, it will really allow you to ponder on the many issues that it
presents."
The
cast includes Jao Mapa (Crisostomo Ibarra);
Fame Flores and Meliza Reyes (alternately portraying Maria Clara); Jojo
Rieguera (alternate for Ibarra/Padre Salvi/Padre Syubila), Manolet Concepcion (Padre
Damaso); Dante Balois (Pilosopong Tasyo). Ed Murillo (Capitan Tiago); Xeno
Alejandro (Elias);Meldea Flor Formacil(Sisa); Irra Cenina (Padre Salvi/Padre
Sybila/alternate for Mang-aawit), April Anne Dolot and Agnes Ramos (alternately
portraying Doña Victorina); Hazel Orencio (Doña Consolacion); Niesty Lopera (Don
Tiburcio); Vangie Inocencio (Tiya Isabel); John Zyke Snatos (Basilio); John
Dencel Galoso (Crispin); Molts Meneses (Teniente
Guevarra/Tarcilo); and Von Arroyo (Mang-awit).
"This
is my first time to play the role of Crisostomo Ibarra and I must admit that
this is a very challenging character," says
Jao Mapa. "Ibarra is an idealist, a young man educated from Europe who went home to spend his life with his beloved
Maria Clara. When he comes home to San
Diego, he sees that Filipinos were being oppressed by
the Spaniards and even he, an ilustrado also experienced the oppression. As an
actor, people must see my transformation from a naïve young man to a hurting
and hunted enemy of the government."
He
adds, "I am very thankful to Gantimpala Theater for giving me the opportunity once
more to work with them. I appreciate the discipline, hard work and the high
level of professionalism of all the people who are part of this production. I
just hope that I deliver what they expect from me and that our audiences will
enjoy and learn from our play."
Assisting
director Agcaoili re-create the world of Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara are Jose Jeffrey Camañag (Associate
Director), Andy Villareal (Lights Designer), Marianne Sedotes (Sets Designer), Albert
Figueras (Costumes Designer), Darby Dizon (Choreographer), Jorge Cabullo (Production
Manager), Wilmark Oliver Tabio (Stage Manager), and Tony Espejo (Artistic
Director).
Performances
are on September 4, 5, 6,
11, 12, and 13 (10am/2pm), AFP Theater, Quezon City and September 18, 18, 20
(10am/2pm), SM South Mall, Las Piñas City.
Gantimpala
Theater's Kanser (Noli Me Tangere) is fully supported by the National Parks
Development Committee.
For
inquiries, please call the Gantimpala Theater Marketing Office, look for Ms.
Glenda Agravante at
899-5745/896-3503/474-5198