Dulaang UP presents Noli Me Tangere

MANILA, Philippines - Dulaang UP (DUP) presents Noli Me Tangere: The Opera. The production of National Artist Felipe de Leon’s classic with libretto by Guillermo Tolentino marks only the third time since the ’80s that Rizal’s novel is staged not as a play but as an opera.

Directed by DUP artistic director Alexander Cortez, Noli Me Tangere: The Opera is a testament to the ingenuity of the Filipino artist. With two pianos accompanying the powerful voices of talented young artists, the opera welds energy and fresh insight with tradition to breathe life into Rizal’s opus through the transcending power of music.

Under the tutelage and music supervision of Camille Lopez Molina, young promising opera singers Myramae Meneses, Antonio Ferrer, Luigi Manzano, Elainne Vibal, Chuck Hipol, Mark Queddeng, and veteran classical artist Jonathan Velasco, Jean Judith Javier, Joy Abalon Tamayo, Cynthia Guico, Rica Nepomuceno and Natasha Cabrera, among many others, interpret memorable songs from the opera, including Maria Clara’s Kay Tamis ng Buhay; Maria Clara and Ibarra’s duet Sa Lupang Pangako; Sisa’s haunting aria Awit ng Gabi; and Ibarra’s Aking Isinangguni. Accompanists are pianists Noel dela Rosa and Christine Park.

Production designer Gino Gonzales uses indigenous materials for the sets and inabel cloth for costumes. Lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal, sound designer Jethro Joaquin, and choreographer Dexter Santos create an all-Filipino ambience fitting for the production. Winter David provides video support with special props by John Gaerlan. Pow Santillan renders the graphics design with photos by Jojit Lorenzo and Dino Dimar.

Noli Me Tangere: The Opera runs from Nov. 16 to Dec. 4 (Wednesdays to Fridays at 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, call Cherry Bong Edralin at 0917-7500107, or the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.