Be enthralled by the colorful creatures of Philippine folk literature and mythology as the UP Playwrights’ Theater restages "Umaaraw, Umuulan, Kinakasal ang Tikbalang" starting Nov. 21 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, University of the Philippines, Diliman.
This Dulaang UP hit production from last season was adapted by Rody Vera from Gilda Cordero-Fernando's children’s short story "The Magic Circle", and directed by José Estrella.
Relive Jepoy and Galis’ journey to a magical wonderland teeming with strange creatures and even stranger events. Be acquainted with the enormous Doña Geronima with her clean and shiny plates and her Spanish-speaking dwarf maitre d' Pacqui. Chat with talking pythons and monkeys, tiyanak debutantes, ballroom dancing aswangs, and with the woeful kapre named Kap. To cap the adventure off, witness the exchange of vows between two enormous tikbalangs underneath simultaneous rain and sunshine.
More than being a crash course on Philippine folklore and myth, "Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang" is a timely reminder of the urgency of caring for the environment, and that all creatures big or small, whether from this world or another, are deserving of our respect and compassion.
Award-winning artists collaborate on this project to give the audience visual feast: Leeroy New’s sculptural costume pieces, Don Salubayba’s unique shadow puppetry, Lex Marcos’ set and lights, TJ Ramos’ sound design and choreography by Stephen Viñas.
The play runs November 21-December 9, 2012 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, University of the Philippines, Diliman. For ticket inquiries, please contact Sam Clarin or Camille Guevara at the DUP Office 9261349, 9818500 local 2449 or 4337840.