Plays of faith
There are things that we thought would never happen again especially when years and decades have passed. Consider it déjà vu or just a plain reunion. Through faith in Cebuano theater and talents, a reunion was made possible among people whom I consider have played in the rebirth of theater in Cebu.
Last August 28, at 7 o'clock in the evening, the Marcelo Fernan Press Center in Sudlon, Cebu City was packed with parishioners, members of the religious organizations and stage production enthusiasts. One more time, theater was alive and would continue to live as there are still people who appreciate the showcase of good stories by passionate Cebuano stage actors.
The production was in preparation for the 51st International Eucharistic Celebration (IEC) in 2016. Seasoned directors and actors have converged and staged a suite of plays about faith. Six Cebuano stage directors have given life to stories onstage. Directors Orlando Magno, Delia Villacastin, Rudy Aviles, Marlon Hofer, Haide Palapar and I have given life to original stories written by Monsignor Augustin "Ting" V. Ancajas.
I met Monsignor Ancajas a few months ago when I was invited as a resource speaker in the Sine Gugma film production acting workshop on film for the youth from the different parishes of the Cebu archdiocese. Although his name has been widely-talked about in the ecclesiastical world, Cebu's world of performance is also a small world. I have known him on top of being a servant of Christ but also as a servant of the art. Taking a six-month course in acting and directing at the Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London has equipped him to work for more theatrical productions. He is also a product of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), where I am also proud to be one. What a delight in our first few meetings for we share the passion for stage plays.
The six plays of faith are: Kabilin with actors Michael Toco, Rhoda Mae Chan and Fitzgerald Galenzona. Kabilin was directed by the University of Cebu's Theatre Company director Mr. Rudy Aviles. The second play, Katapusang Pagbalik was given life by actors Garry Lim and Daday Melgar. This was directed by Marlon Hofer. Hofer is former president of the University of San Carlos Theater Guild. He did several plays for St. Theresa's College, Cebu Repertory and the University of the Philippines.
The third play, Sa Imong Lawas ug Dugo was perfectly played by its lone actress Stella Palomo Mondeno and directed by Haidee Palapar. Palapar is a writer and a teacher of literature and communication. I directed the fourth play titled Sila nga Mitaliwan Na. I was blessed to have actors Ferliza Calizar-Contratista, Ronyel Compra and lawyer Karen Quiñanola-Gonzales who were my former students and members of the UP Students Theater Arts Guild for Education (UPSTAGE). They did not have a second thought of accepting the roles despite the very limited, few days of practice. It was indeed a great reunion after decades.
The fifth play Ringtone was directed by veteran stage actor and director Delia Villacastin. Actors were Arnel Pahang, Jesnil Camon and Mark Lester Marquito. The last play Paklay Para Canta Misa was directed by another veteran stage director Mr. Orlando Magno who had equally brilliant actors like Choi Casellano, Jef Maun, Lotlot Abellanosa and Eldrin Padigos.
The plays were made possible because of the strong faith of the casts, crew and directors. Faith makes miracle possible. It magnifies even the smallest seed of belief.
To all the casts and crew, congratulations. To Archbishop Jose Palma who gave his inspirational message that was so uplifting for us. He stressed the use of theater for spreading the good news. He highly recommended for a rerun of the plays so that more audience could watch. He commended Monsignor Ancajas and the entire production team. To Monsignor Ting Ancajas, you are indeed instrumental in bringing back the fervor of our young people to appreciate theater and the Cebuano language.
MABUHI ANG DULANG CEBUANO! MABUHI ANG ATONG BUHING PAGTOO!
- Latest
