Buhing Kalbaryo: Al Evangelio Directs Christ's Passion

The Buhing Kalbaryo Association, Inc. in its promise to fulfill its yearly vows to present the reenactment of the Life and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ is all set to present this year's version. Written and directed by Alvan Claude Evangelio, "Buhing Kalbaryo" 2006 promises to be bigger in magnitude, scope and feelings.

To be presented on Good Friday, the play has been moved since last year from the grounds of San Nicolas Parish to the more spacious Cebu City Sports Complex, to allow more people to witness the glorious reenactment scenes on the Life and Death of Jesus Christ.

In this year's version, it traces the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, beginning with the explosive confrontation of St. John the Baptist as he announces the coming of the great Messiah. St. John as a "voice of the wilderness" attempts to encourage people to repent, which, however, invariably leads to his death, after having won the ire of Herod's wife Herodias.

From the beheading of St. John, the scene segues to the Last Supper reenactment where Jesus gathers his twelve apostles as He blesses the Bread of Life, beckoning one and all to partake of the supper and to drink from the Cup of Life.
vThe scene of the Sanhedrin or the High Priests follows, with their plot to entrap Jesus Christ, portrayed by them as the "rebellious and blasphemous". Sadly, this scene follows with the classic Gethsemane scene, where Christ sets out to pray to fulfill the Will of His Father.

With Jesus Christ captured and shackled and ridiculed in front of the Sanhedrin and the people, Jesus is then led to the throne of Pontius Pilate, which, invariably leads to his crucifixion and death. What is truly impressive is that Alvan Claude Evangelio, who has been directing "Buhing Kalbaryo" for the past seven years discloses that "the tale of Christ Jesus" has penetrated very much into his system, which, of course, the director is very well pleased to infuse his own interpretation into the passion play, making this impression a classic manifestation of his religious vow to be of service not only to his religion but to his community youth organization who had been given "training and pathos" by him. Topbilled by Eumier Eurasan as Jesus Christ, the other members of the cast include the very neophyte youths from Barangay Guadalupe and some noted members handpicked from the stable of the Al Evangelio - to portray the many roles ranging from the Sanhedrin and the twelve apostles to the soldiers and the villagers who play cameo roles. Most importantly, Evangelio has lent a helping hand to mold the many amateurs of his play thus becoming "pros" in their own rights. If only for this, the play and reenactment become a must-see in the very fresh interpretation of the director.