MANILA, Philippines - Following the raging success of hit rock-comedy musical, Rak of Aegis, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) brings back another theater favorite and classic, Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil in September at the PETA Theater Center.
A modern retelling of Rizal’s masterpieces written by acclaimed writer Nicanor Tiongson, Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil captures the revolutionary philosophies of Rizal’s two greatest novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
In his notes, Tiongson reflects that he mainly focused on Rizal’s idea on the “cancer of society” which he feels strongly about: “Sunud-sunod na mga iskandalo sa gobyerno kaugnay ang garapal na korupsyon ng sistema ang nagpatunay na walang pinag-iba ang kanser sa panahon ni Rizal at sa kasalukuyan.”
Making use of the 2004 Infanta landslide as an inspiration for his setting, Tiongson traversed to the Quezon province in order to gain a clearer perspective of his narrative. Extensive research on Rizal’s novels coupled with an immersion in the province was what gave Tiongson the push to write and mold the characters and story of Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil.
This run features Lucho Ayala as the hero, Ibarra. His love interest, Clarissa (Maria Clara), will be played by Kris Bernal and Liza Dino-Seguerra. Other cast members include Jojo Atienza, Renante Bustamante, Roi Calilong, Buddy Caramat, Mikou David, Eric dela Cruz, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Gio Gahol, Neomi Gonzales, Joseph Madriaga, Nicole Manlulo, Kitsi Pagaspas, Joanne Pamintuan, Norbs Portales, Bembol Roco, Raffy Tejada and Jack Yabut, among others.
Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil will reopen at the PETA Theater Center on the weekend of Sept. 10 to 13; moving to a bigger venue at the Springs Production Studios on New Manila for the coming shows (Sept. 18 to 27). The run will end with a Rizal-themed festival titled “Sa Aking Mga Kabata: An arts festival on the life and works of Rizal” from Sept. 25 to 27, with an exciting lineup of workshops, performances, and lectures.
For information, visit www.petatheater.com or call PETA at 725-6244. Tickets for the gala night on Sept. 10 are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.