PAREF-Springdale stages "Oliver Twist"

Oliver Twist came to life in the musical remake that was staged by PAREF-Springdale School for Boys and LH Foundation, Inc. last January 30-31, 2009 at SM Cinema 1.

Directed by the acclaimed Benjie Diola, the stage play was not just PAREF-Springdale’s celebration of 13 years of academic and sports excellence, but also marked its venture into culture and the arts.

In a message, PAREF-Springdale executive director Ric Ampiloquio said that the collaborative project has two goals. First was to come up with a quality school play that would raise interest and appreciation for culture and arts, at the same time, develop awareness in poverty and social-class disparity in today’s society. Second was to put up a Faculty Development Fund that would support the training of teachers who in turn would produce quality students.

It was the first time for PAREF-Springdale to stage a musical (in 13 years). But what the organizers were most proud of was the performance of the boys themselves, their students.

Charlie Liu, overall chairman of the project, said that he has seen how the boys worked hard for the play. “They gave up play time, sports time just to practice. They have made personal sacrifices. Everybody gave their 110 percent for this.”

It took them five months to prepare for the production: from the conceptualization to the casting and to the rehearsals. The students volunteered and auditioned for their roles. The girls were sisters, friends and students from SouthCrest.

Furthermore, because of his credentials, the organizers didn’t hesitate to let Benjie Diola direct the play.

“You know Benjie Diola, he is the best. Since this was our first time to stage a play, we wanted the best and the most experienced,” Liu said, adding that Diola may be tough during rehearsals but he brings out the best among the students.

He further narrated that the play was chosen because “it talks about boys. Growing up in tough times and not losing the values.”

The musical play tells the story of Oliver Twist, (portrayed by Lorenzo Altonaga and Rayne Aaron Eullaran), an orphan boy born in a workhouse who was treated cruelly. Though he was trained to be a pickpocket, he detests stealing and violence. What he only wants is to be loved and to have a family of his own.

Based on the world-famous literary classic Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist the Musical tackles how economic crisis forced families to make children work. Child labor became widespread: children worked long hours in dangerous places and were treated like criminals.

More than just celebrating its 13th year, Paref Springdale was able to send out a message to students and youths alike to let that “Oliver Twist” live in us—determined to do good for others.