MANILA, Philippines - Tanghalang Ateneo celebrates its 36th season with the theme “Navigating Identities.” The company aims to stage plays that center on man’s exploration and need to find himself and his place in the world.
The season opener will feature Han Ong’s Middle Finger, an adaptation of the famous German play Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind.
Featuring a bilingual script using the original by Han Ong and a Filipino translation by Ronan B. Capinding, Middle Finger is a coming-of-age story centered on two Filipino teenagers, Jakob Rodriguez and Benjamin Lunga, studying in a Catholic school in America. In a world dominated by adults and social constructs, they attempt to find control and establish themselves as individuals.
Guelan Luarca plays the role of Jakob Rodriguez, a headstrong and rebellious adolescent boy trying hard to break away from the boundaries set for him by the adults in his life.
Joe-Nel Garcia plays the role of Benjamin Lunga, the best friend of Jakob, this average student only wants the good and simple things but is suddenly faced with the hard reality of life.
The other actors are Brian Ramos, Gab Tibayan, Avie Alcantara, Niki Calma, Marjorie Lorico, Joseph dela Cruz, Dolly de Leon and David Bianco. Members of the ensemble include Juella Bautista, Aih Mendoza, Soc delos Reyes and Jerome Flor. The artistic team is led by Glenn Sevilla Mas (artistic director, Tanghalang Ateneo), Ed Lacson Jr. (director and production designer), Teresa Barrozo (sound designer) and Meliton Roxas Jr. (lights designer).
The play-dates of Middle Finger are as follows: Aug. 1 and 2, 4 to 9, 11 to 16 and 18 to 22. The play starts promptly at 7 p.m. Matinee shows start at 3 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday).
All performances will be held at the Fine Arts Black Box Studio of the Ateneo de Manila University.
For details, call Acel Go at 0916-4802195, email ta.mpc78@gmail.com, or visit www.tanghalangateneo.org, www.facebook.com/TanghalangAteneo, www.twitter.com/TAOfficial or www.youtube.com/user/tanghalangateneo.