Tanghalang Ateneo, in its 33rd Season, celebrates the sesquicentennial of the birth of Jose Rizal with “Para Los Jovenes,” a dramatization of the mature Rizal’s stories for children.
Among these tales are his version of “Ang Pagong at ang Matsing” and select translations of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales “Si Gahinlalaki (Thumbelina),” “Ang Pangit na Sisiu ng Pato (The Ugly Duckling),” and “Ang Batang Babaing Mai Dalang Casafuego (The Little Match Girl)”--now presented in contemporary versions, viz: “The Ugly Ducking” in the context of a reality show, “Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing” as a showdown between two gentlemen, “Thumbelina” as a superhero adaptation and “The Little Match Girl” revamped into a variety game show.
Through these works, Tanghalang Ateneo intends to prove that Rizal did not only prophesy the youth’s big role in nation-building, but also purposely contributed to the formation of the nation’s hope through the subtly subversive impetus of these stories--subtler than his other, more famous works, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” though written in the same period.
“Para Los Jovenes” is directed by Ron Capinding, with co-direction by Christopher Aronson, Zyril Carlos, Julius Tabios, and Charles Yee. The all-student ensemble features the company’s newest members. Maximillian Brillantes designs sounds, with lighting by Alysa Alberto and costume design by Rina Reinoso.
The show runs September 20-24, 2011, 8 p.m., at the 3rd floor, Gonzaga Hall, Ateneo de Manila University. For inquiries, contact Atrio Hapitan 0927-7522027.