A true admirer of the arts will have to watch one of UP’s plays When In Manila. UP Playwrights’ Theater Restages Hit Children’s Play Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang from November 21 to December 9.
Be enthralled by the colorful creatures of Philippine folk literature and mythology as the UP Playwrights’ Theater puts the spotlight once again on Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang , Dulaang UP’s hit production last season. The play is adapted from Gilda Cordero-Fernando’s children’s short story The Magic Circle, written by Rody Vera and directed by José Estrella.
Relive Jepoy and Galis’ journey to a magical wonderland teeming with strange creatures and even stranger events. Be acquainted with the enormous Doña Geronima with her clean and shiny plates and her Spanish-speaking dwarf maitre d’ Pacqui. Chat with talking pythons and frogs, tiyanak debutantes, ballroom dancing aswangs, the four musicians of San Roque and with the woeful kapre named Kap. To cap the adventure off, witness the exchange of vows between two enormous tikbalangs as it rains and shines at the same time.
More than being a crash course on Philippine folklore and myth, Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang is a timely reminder of the urgency of caring for the environment and that all creatures big or small, whether from this world or another, are deserving of our respect and compassion.
In Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang award -winning artists collaborate to give the audience yet another visual feast. Sculptor Leeroy New’s costume pieces will surely awe. Don Salubayba’s unique shadow puppetry adds another exciting dimension to the production. All these are complemented by Lex Marcos’ set and lights, Tj Ramos’ sound design, and choreography by Stephen Viñas.
Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang runs from November 21 to December 9, 2012 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, University of the Philippines, Diliman. For ticket inquiries contact Sam Clarin or Camille Guevara at the DUP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.
