"Imahe at Karangalan": In Celebration of "Buwan ng Wika"

CEBU, Philippines - Very rarely nowadays do we chance upon a live theatrical presentation in the city. Some say that it's because live theatrical productions are no longer viable; the public is no longer as eager for it. But it may not be quite true as, many times, we've seen the front-of-house of a live theater almost exploding by the sheer number of people wanting to get in.

Others opine that the rarity of live theatrical performances is mainly due to the excessive cost of production. In Cebu, it generally takes a month and a half to two months rehearsing a stage play before its play date. That's 45 days, minimum, working on a stage project that will only see three performances, on average.

Refreshments - and sometimes fare allowance too - for the actors and crew during rehearsals already total up to some amount of money. Then there are also sets, props, and costumes to order, aside from tickets and promotional posters to print. What may yet be the biggest bulk expense to cover is venue rental, which usually amounts to 100,000 pesos up front. And talent fees have not even been factored in yet.

In short, coming up with a play production takes a lot of gall. But the trouble is worth taking. There is really no form of entertainment quite like a live play performance. Even if a person watches the same stage play several times, the experience is different every time.

When the University of San Carlos Theater Guild announces its 39th production, it's good news. For who knows when a similar opportunity will come? This is indeed an occasion worth taking advantage of.

The group is performing "Imahe at Karangalan" on Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31. The two-act play deals with the issue of image and pride, and on love and family. The performance venue is at the SM City Cebu Cinema 1.

The first act "Hagdan sa Bahaghari," written by Amado V. Hernandez, relates the story of a high society girl who falls in love with a man who does not belong to her "alta sociedad." Her father won't allow her to marry the guy, and so she decides to run away with him in order to spare her family from the shame. Her choice of marrying a "pobre" leads her to untold hardships in life. 

The second act is titled "Moses, Moses," written by Rogelio R. Sikat. It is a story of a widowed teacher with three children to raise. As it turns out, her biggest challenge is not really raising the children but defending their rights, as her daughter is raped by the son of the town mayor.

The production is in observance of "Buwan Ng Wika," which is in August of every year. The play aims to promote the national language by putting it in the context of the Filipino socio-cultural experience. At the same time, it is also a way of harnessing the performance skills of young people. Furthermore, it is an effort to keep alive a most lovely art form.

The play schedule for both dates, August 30 and 31: 10:00-11:30 a.m., 12:00-1:30 p.m., 2:00-3:30 p.m., 4:00-5:30 p.m., 6:00-7:30 p.m., and 8:00-9:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater gate, while reservations may be phoned in to 09238983247. (FREEMAN)