Tanghalang Pilipino brings back the acclaimed steampunk musical Mabining Mandirigma with a more powerful ensemble cast and thought-provoking performance, just in time when the country is on the verge of deciding the next set of leaders.
Liesl Batucan plays a female Apolinario Mabini who effectively mirrors the struggle of Inang Pilipinas in its quest for sovereignty. With superb acting and enunciation, she stands tall in the proverbial wheelchair of frustration on the Filipinos' stand for freedom. Antonio Fernandez Ferrer, powerful tenor that he is, commands presence with his acting and a voice that easily filled CCP's Little Theater. Alternating with Armand Ferrer is acclaimed performer David Ezra, whose voice and theater credentials fits him well for the Aguinaldo role.
With tighter scenes and more emphasis on the play's music, the second staging of Mabining Mandirigma captures the essence of what it is to be a Filipino at a time when we are still struggling for our own identity as a nation. The play presents to us the challenges of being a Filipino then and now: a government run by people with vested interests, leaders who dont want to take accountability, and a nation divided by ignorance and opportunistic oppressors
It has been said that Mabini is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Filipino hero. However, despite years of History subjects from primary education till college, the role of the Batangenyo hero has been relegated to being the 'sublime paralytic', with minimal focus on his huge contribution on the Philippine revolution. And this is where Tanghalang Pilipino's play fits perfectly, filling in on that gap and explore on what Mabini has done for the country.
Was the schedule of the second staging chosen on purpose? That we do not know. But surely it serves a double purpose--entertainment, and info-tainment. Although the modern stage design and lightning was a stark contrast of the classic story being portraye, it effectively compliments the performances of the ensemble. Add to that the choreography and music that brings more color and vibe. And yes, steampunk as it is, expect a lot of surprises from a play that banks on historically accurate details of a story straight from the pages of Phililpine History. Who would have taught flip top rap battle can be so cool., especially if it's between the Ilustrados and the sundalos and common tao? And the funky dance moves of Pedro Paterno and the Ilustrados? They're a lot funkier the second time around. Spoiler Alert: the end of Act 1 is indeed, 'surprising'.
But the more important aspect of the play lies on the questions it asks to it's audience. Sino nga ba ang mga Pilipino, ang mga indio ba o ang mga ilustrado? Paano nga ba magisip bilang isang Pilipino? Ano nga ba ang kaya mong gawin para sa Pilipinas?
The play presents the struggles of the country during the time of revolution, and effectively reminds us that we are still facing the same demons, although they are now cloaked in a different skin.
Mabining Mandirigma ends with an upbeat song that's not just catchy, but also captures what we all need to be reminded of: 'Mahalin mo ang Pilipinas nang higit sa iyong sarili, pamana siya ni Bathala, Pag-asa ng iyong lahi!'
Catch the remaining play date of Tanghalang Pilipino' Mabining Mandirigma! Get your tickets on TicketWorld:891.9999 or CCP Box Office: 832.3704
Play Date :
Arman Ferrer:
8:00PM | Feb 19, 20, 26, Mar 4, 5, 11
3:00PM | Mar 5 & 12
David Ezra:
3:00PM | Feb 20, 21, 27 & 28, Mar 6 & 13
8:00PM | Feb 27 & Mar 12
Mabining Mandirigma Artistic Staff and Cast
Directed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Vice President and Artistic Director Chris Millado and written by Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, the stellar cast is now led by Liesl Batucan essaying the role of Apolinario Mabini; Promising young tenors Arman Ferrer plays Emilio Aguinaldo and David Ezra will be alternating as Emilio Aguinaldo while Carol Bello plays Mabini’s Mother, Dionisia. They are joined by the promising talents from the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company. The powerhouse Artistic Staff is comprised by Jed Balsamo for Music, Denisa Reyes for Choreography, Toym Imao for Set Design, Katsch Catoy for Lighting Design, GA Fallarme for Projection Design, James Reyes for Costume Design, Barbie Tan-Tiongco for Technical Direction and TJ Ramos for Sound Design.
More photos of Tanghalang Pilipino' Mabining Mandirigma, A Steampunk Musical check the official fanpage of AXLPowerhouse.
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| One of the scene in Tanghalang Pilipino' Mabining Mandrigma |
With tighter scenes and more emphasis on the play's music, the second staging of Mabining Mandirigma captures the essence of what it is to be a Filipino at a time when we are still struggling for our own identity as a nation. The play presents to us the challenges of being a Filipino then and now: a government run by people with vested interests, leaders who dont want to take accountability, and a nation divided by ignorance and opportunistic oppressors
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| One of the best scene in Tanghalang Pilipino' Mabining Mandirigma |
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But the more important aspect of the play lies on the questions it asks to it's audience. Sino nga ba ang mga Pilipino, ang mga indio ba o ang mga ilustrado? Paano nga ba magisip bilang isang Pilipino? Ano nga ba ang kaya mong gawin para sa Pilipinas?
The play presents the struggles of the country during the time of revolution, and effectively reminds us that we are still facing the same demons, although they are now cloaked in a different skin.
Mabining Mandirigma ends with an upbeat song that's not just catchy, but also captures what we all need to be reminded of: 'Mahalin mo ang Pilipinas nang higit sa iyong sarili, pamana siya ni Bathala, Pag-asa ng iyong lahi!'
Catch the remaining play date of Tanghalang Pilipino' Mabining Mandirigma! Get your tickets on TicketWorld:891.9999 or CCP Box Office: 832.3704
Play Date :
Arman Ferrer:
8:00PM | Feb 19, 20, 26, Mar 4, 5, 11
3:00PM | Mar 5 & 12
David Ezra:
3:00PM | Feb 20, 21, 27 & 28, Mar 6 & 13
8:00PM | Feb 27 & Mar 12
Mabining Mandirigma Artistic Staff and Cast
Directed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Vice President and Artistic Director Chris Millado and written by Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, the stellar cast is now led by Liesl Batucan essaying the role of Apolinario Mabini; Promising young tenors Arman Ferrer plays Emilio Aguinaldo and David Ezra will be alternating as Emilio Aguinaldo while Carol Bello plays Mabini’s Mother, Dionisia. They are joined by the promising talents from the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company. The powerhouse Artistic Staff is comprised by Jed Balsamo for Music, Denisa Reyes for Choreography, Toym Imao for Set Design, Katsch Catoy for Lighting Design, GA Fallarme for Projection Design, James Reyes for Costume Design, Barbie Tan-Tiongco for Technical Direction and TJ Ramos for Sound Design.
More photos of Tanghalang Pilipino' Mabining Mandirigma, A Steampunk Musical check the official fanpage of AXLPowerhouse.
Written and Review By : Erick Frago
Photos and Edited By : Axl Guinto
Wow this is truly interesting Axl! I do want to watch a play like this soon :)
ReplyDeleteNood na po.. worth it
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