In the continuing year-long celebration of Jose Rizal’s birth sesquicentenary and also as a pre-birth centennial tribute for National Artist Felipe de Leon, Dulaang UP is proud to present "Noli Me Tangere: The Opera." This production of de Leon’s classic with libretto by Guillermo Tolentino marks only the third time since the 1980s that Rizal’s immortal novel is staged not as a play but as an opera.
"Noli Me Tangere: The Opera" runs November 16-December 4, 2011 (Wednesday to Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman.
Directed by DUP Artistic Director Alexander Cortez (Cayabyab/Asensio’s "Spoliarium," Lumbera/Letaba’s "Hibik at Himagsik nina Victoria Lactao," Quintos/De Guzman’s "Atang: A Play with Music," Quintos/ Africa’s "St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos: The Musical"), "Noli Me Tangere: The Opera" will have two pianos providing the accompaniment to the powerful voices of young and talented artists, melding energy and fresh insight together with tradition to breathe life to Rizal’s opus through the transcending power of music.
Under the vocal coaching and music supervision of Camille Lopez Molina, promising opera singers Myramae Meneses, Antonio Ferrer, Luigi Manzano, Elaine Vibal, Chuck Hipol, Mark Queddeng, Michael Bulaong, along with veterans Jonathan Velasco, Jean Judith Javier, Joy Abalon Tamayo, Cynthia Guico, Rica Nepomuceno and Natasha Cabrera, among many others from UP and other music conservatories, interpret memorable songs from the opera.
Among the songs included are Maria Clara’s "Kay Tamis ng Buhay," Maria Clara and Ibarra’s duet "Sa Lupang Pangako," Sisa’s haunting aria "Awit ng Gabi" and Ibarra’s "Aking Isinangguni." Talented actors from the Dulaang UP ensemble complete the cast. Accompanists are pianists Greg Zuniega, Noel de la Rosa and Jourdan Petalver.
Production designer Gino Gonzales puts to good use Philippine indigenous materials for the sets. and the inabel cloth from the Ilocos region for the costumes. The creative team also includes lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal, sound designer Jethro Joaquin, choreographer Dexter Santos and videographer Winter David. Special props are designed and executed by John Gaerlan, with Pow Santillan rendering the graphics design and photos by Jojit Lorenzo.
For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, please contact Cherry Bong Edralin 0917-7500107, or the Dulaang UP Office 9261349, 9818500 local 2449 or 4337840.
