Photo / Anino sa Likod ng Buwan
Jun Robles Lana, the writer and director of films like Barber’s Tales, Becky & Badette, and And the Breadwinner is…, wrote Anino sa Likod ng Buwan in 1993. And yet, despite the material being more than 30 years old (old enough to have kids), Anino sa Likod ng Buwan still feels fresh, relevant, and, provocative.
The play is set in Marag Valley in the ’90s, when the armed conflict between the Philippine military and the communist resistance led to bombings that affected citizens’ lives and homes. Anino sa Likod ng Buwan tells the story of Emma and Nardo, a couple finding refuge in a makeshift shack, and their friendship with Joel, an army soldier.
It’s easy to judge the material as a study of power and loyalty.
After all, the cast spends a fair amount of time discussing who or what the enemy is. Is it the state that, backed by its resources and machinations, commands power and silences those that oppose it? Or is it the resistance, which uses whatever forces necessary to make their voices heard?
Photo / The IdeaFirst Company
Lana uses this as a backdrop to explore themes like love, lust, and betrayal. The result is a play with so many twists and turns that audiences will be on the edge of their seats until the show reaches its climax. There is a lingering sense of dread, a tension that remains taut until its delicious breaking point.
The cast is terrific as well. Emma is a complex character that requires a broad acting range, and Elora Españo more than delivered. The actress portrayed Emma’s story arc of a woman coming into her own with clarity and conviction.
When he found his rhythm as Joel, Martin del Rosario brought the menace and intimidation required of the role. The writer met the cast after the show and was surprised that del Rosario was taller in the show, which speaks of his imposing presence on stage.
Ross Pesigan, as Nardo, brought light into an otherwise bleak and tense atmosphere. He was a wonderful comic relief and still provided the gravitas needed for the more sober scenes.
Photo / The IdeaFirst Company
Lana and Perci Intalan, the founders of content creation company The IdeaFirst Company, brought Anino sa Likod ng Buwan back on stage as the first production of its new theatre arm, IdeaFirst LIVE! And what a brilliant choice it is.
The play, written when Lana was in college (!!!), was submitted to the Bulwagang Gantimpala’s playwriting competition, where it won the top prize. The same year, Bulwagang Gantinmpala and the Artistang Artlets of the University of Santo Tomas staged the one-act play. In 2015, Lana adapted the story into a one-take film, which won several trophies at the Gawad Urian and the NETPAC awards at the Pacific Meridian International Film Festival of Asia Pacific Countries.
The re-staging comes at the perfect time as more audiences should see this daring and thought-provoking play.
Anino sa Likod ng Buwan runs at the PETA Theater Center from March 1 to 23, 2025. Tuxqs Rutaquio directs the play. The play is strictly for adults only. Get your tickets now at https://ticket2me.net/AninoSaLikodNgBuwan.
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