Synopsis and Write Ups
SET A
KUDETA! KUDETA!
A coma patient and a disgruntled fallen angel join forces in a plot to remove Lucifer from power. It’s good versus evil and all the grays in between.
About the playwright
Jimmy Flores is a freelance graphic designer who dabbles in filmmaking. He has written scripts for indie productions such as Auraeus Solito’s Tuli and Boy, Lawrence Fajardo’s Raket ni Nanay and X-Deal, and just recently, Supremo and Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi for Richard Somes. Kudeta! Kudeta! is his first foray into stage plays.
About the director
Ariel’s (ARIEL S.R. YONZON) love for the theatre grew through a chiaroscuro of different arts in the palette of his life – good literature, appreciation of fine music of the masters, excellent grasp of language, among others, that all blended beautifully together in his journey, first at the MET (Manila Metropolitan Theater) in the early 80’s and, later, on to campus theatre at the University of the Philippines, through the U.P. Anak-Tibawan, as actor and stage manager.
But, his reverence for the arts was bound to bring him to the country’s Cultural Center of the Philippines, where some of the world’s best artists perform. As one who has had the privilege of climbing up the ranks, first as Theatre Usher (as he was then a working student), then, as Project Coordinator (for the CCP Musical and Dramatic Arts Divisions), and, finally, as Head of the CCP Theatre Operations Department, he brings a unique understanding of theatre production work, grasping fully what every facet of theatre entails and giving both artists and stage personnel all that is necessary to give the audiences stellar productions.
As a Director, his exposure of 27+ years to CCP performances has given him the expertise to brave innovative ways of presenting abstract artistic concepts to discriminating audiences, in a meandering manner, here and abroad. Among his outstanding works include various advocacies, ranging from environmental impact mitigation (Earth Day Events), to cultural diplomacy/foreign relations (Arts Across Borders), cultural showcases for State Visitors, cultural attaches and the DFA-ASEAN Affairs, international conference galas (Breathe! for Pulmonary Medical Practitioners; Asian Development Bank Governors’ Meeting, Baro: A Cultural Review and Earthen Harvest for the DOF and the World Expositions (Two Rivers, One Heart in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China in 2010; and, Connected Diversities in Yeosu, Republic of South Korea last year) for the DOT as well as various awards conferments (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining/National Artists Awards, Gawad CCP, Cinemalaya and the Civil Service Commission Honor Awards).
He is currently the Associate Artistic Director of the CCP Production and Exhibition Department and is also a member of the Philippine Association of Theater Designers and Technicians (PATDAT).
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KAPIT
In a bedroom, an older woman berates a younger man much like a mother reminding her son of his future. In the course of the conversation, their relationship becomes more than what it seems revealing how the ties that bind them together is being unfettered. Kapit is a story of the attachments people make, what makes them hold on to the things that they ought to let go.
About the playwright
George is a playwright, director and actor working as a corporate events writer and director. For the Virgin Labfest, Kapit is his second play and Ang Unang Regla ni John is the fifth play he has directed and the first that has been revisited making him a revisited virgin.
IMBISIBOL
The play is set in 1992 on an ordinary Sunday in Tokyo. Two Filipino friends, Benjie and Manuel, both illegal workers in Japan, gather at the house of their Filipina friend, Manang Linda, to collect the letters their families send to fictional names they created to hide their true identities. At the middle of the happy lunch, Rodel, another young Filipino illegal worker, barges in declaring he had just killed a man who threatened to report him to the police. His friends suggest that he moves deeper underground by moving to another prefecture, finding a new day job, cutting ties with his family and friends, keeping a low profile, changing his name, and staying hidden for good. Would Rodel choose to stay invisible not only to the police but also to his family and friends to keep his freedom and continue working for his family’s sake?
Herlyn Alegre is a Filipino playwright and fictionist who writes in both English and Filipino. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. She was a fellow of the 1st Palihang Rogelio Sikatfor the one-act play category. She is now finishing her MA in Asian Studies (major in Japanese Studies) at the University of the Philippines-Diliman and will be pursuing further studies at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan as a research student this coming fall semester under the Japanese Government Scholarship. At present, she is employed as a writer and researcher in a government institution.
SET B
ISANG DAAN (A HUNDRED, OR A ROAD)
Ting has a Katipunero hero for an ancestor. In fact, a street is named after him. He wants his Fil-am daughter to feel that Pinoy pride by showing her that. The bad news is that the street will soon give way to a highway which is being built through a mayor's initiative. Ting's Fil-am daughter Bituin couldn't care less, but Ting wants to preserve the legacy of his great-grandfather. An informal settler and an NGO worker also seem to have reasons to stop the mayor from building this highway. What's in this street anyway that they have to fight for it? Perhaps a quest for immortality, survival or something else?
About the playwright
Liza Magtoto is a freelance scriptwriter for the theater, television, radio, film and video and occasionally a feature writer, editor and artist-teacher. An active senior member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), she wrote the libretto for Care Divas and Rated PG. Her plays have been included in anthologies published by NCCA, UP, UST and CCP. A founding member of The Writer's Bloc, Inc., her plays in the VLF include Hubad and Paigan. Her plays Despedida de Soltera, Agnoia, Nay Isa, Paigan, Tamala and Rated PG won the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Liza also wrote for PETA’s book called Birthings, a collective journal about the company’s nationwide tour of Libby Manaoag Files. For television, she co-wrote Ang Relikaryo, a TV movie which won the 1997 Star Awards for Best Telesine. She also co-wrote the 2012 cinemalaya entry Sta. Nina and will also have another screenplay (David F.) included in the 2013 cinemalaya festival.
CHIPLINE
SYNOPSIS:
The simple, quiet lives of three children in Bukidnon are shaken when they hear that a Zipline park is going to be constructed in their beloved playground.
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About the playwright Vix is currently a senior studying Creative Writing in the Ateneo de Manila University and is planning to double major in Theater Arts. She is an active member of Ateneo ENTABLADO and occasionally acts, directs and does production work for the stage. She hopes to finish her thesis painlessly and acquire more hats.
About the director
Charles Ivan Ramirez Yee graduated BS Communication Technology Management and is currently finishing his double degree in BFA Theater Arts in the Ateneo Fine Arts Program. He has received the Loyola School Award for the Arts in Theater. Some of his most recent directorial work include Kataksilan, an adaptation of Harold Pinter's Betrayal, with Ateneo Fine Arts Program, and Laot-Lungsod-Langit: Mga Kuwentong Sama-Dilaut, with Tanghalang Filipino integrated, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He has also been seen acting on stage in Sintang Dalisay as Datu Pian-Dao and Taupan, What You Will (Twelfth Night) as Feste, and Lysistrata as Kinesias, all recent productions of Tanghalang Ateneo.
OWELL
Owel's medical examination unlocks a story of loss, romantic petition, and gender discussions. Sexual innuendos, mentions of heartbreak, and personal strife are juxtaposed against the clinical atmosphere of an infirmary in Makati. Two ex-lovers attempt closure over stool samples and urine examinations staying true to the genre of black comedy plays.
About the playwright
Eljay Castro Deldoc earned his degree in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). He has been writing for stage since 2009. In 2011, UPLB SamaSining produced his stage adaptations of Ricky Lee's Para Kay B and Jose Rizal's Junto Al Pasig. He also penned several original plays, which include Tanikala, Articulo Mortis, Dahil Iisa Lang ang Mundo, and Ang Favorite Book ni Jude. He is currently working as a full-time copywriter but still finds time to write stage plays for various theatre groups. As one of his cultural advocacies, he is a founding member of Tabsing Kolektib, a Manila-based theatre guild that envisions educating people through the collaborative approach on performing arts.
SET C
PAMAMANHIKAN
Pamamanhikan narrates the friendship of Ibyang and Ester as the latter is faced with the cross of motherhood. Her youngest daughter, Ces, is coming home along with her partner and Ester is confronted with the predicament of how to deal with her daughter’s lover.
The story takes place while Ester and Ibyang are preparing all the ingredients of her daughters favorite dish. With the help of Ibyang who is an expert in concocting not just complicated dishes but also that of the most complex emotions, will Ester eventually find the exact recope that compments her own feelings?
About the playwright
Bernadette Villanueva Neri is a faculty member of the Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas in the University of the Philippines, Diliman where she also pursues her Ph.D. in Filipino Malikhaing Pagsulat. Her MA Thesus , “Naratibo, Pagkatha ng Lesbiyanang Gunita” showcases a collection of lesbian-themed short stories. Bernadette is an active member of the All UP Academic Employees Union. She is the author of Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin, an illustrated book for children discussing the experiences of a child with two mothers. Pamamanhikan is her first play.
AMBONG ABO
Ambo is found by the police in Central Park. He is stupefied, staring blankly at a deadsnake in front of him. He has been missing for three days. Is it the fabled song of the Corocoro or the seducing hiss of the Oryol that led him to search or escape death?
Ambo was a copra farmer in the lush tropical land of the Bicol province in the Philippines. Dolly, his youngest daugther immigrated and settled in the cosmopolitan city of New York. She is disillusioned by the comfort of living she finds in a foreign land that she dreads the idea of coming home. Back at home in the valley of Iriga, Ambo's eldest daughter, Magda
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is a simple, submissive abaca weaver who patiently waits for the return of her father. She reminds Ambo and Dolly of the life they left behind.
“I am the son of Daragang Magayon, Handyong is my father” claims Ambo to his daughters that they quickly dismiss as whims of an aging man. Daragang Magayon is the legendary maiden of Bicol's enchanted volcano and Handyong is the leading mythical hero-warrior of their people. Ambo in his final words reveal the continuation of the lost myth of the Bicol region.
Separated by geography, culture and language, two different lives of sisters, are bridged by Ambo's visions, actions and prophecies.
About the playwright
Em is an MFA Creative Writing student at De La Salle University. Em now teaches Philippine and World Literature at the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde. Em received three national writing fellowships from the UST (2009), IYAS (2012) and Silliman (2013). In 2012, his play "Ang Unang Regla ni John," was staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines as part of the Virgin Labfest 8.
KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY
Being a maid is tough enough, but when Mely finds employment under a group of unconventional employers, she steps up to the unique challenge for the sake of her family. When Mely's sister Viva enters the picture, Mely is reminded of a disturbing past, made complicated by an unsettling romantic revelation made by one of her employers. All this in a tragicomedy about domestic help, sibling rivalry, and shattered dreams.
About the playwright
CARLO VERGARA has been making comics on and off since 1993. He is mostly known for his graphic novel, "Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah," which was adapted into a musical in 2006. The musical eventually became one of the longest-running productions in Philippine theatre history. A marketing management graduate, Vergara has been a news and feature writer and photographer, copywriter, theater actor, university instructor, voice talent, graphic designer, and magazine creative director. "Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady" is his first professionally-produced play. Chat
SET D
PRAMOEDYA
'Pramoedya' tells the story of Indonesian novelist Pramoedya Ananta Toer who spent years as a political prisoner on a desolate Indonesian island during the Suharto regime. Banned from writing or reading, he defied his captors by composing an epic novel by secretly narrating the story to fellow prisoners. Pramoedya's novel features a 19th century Indonesian patriot who draws inspiration in his struggle against Dutch colonial rule from the revolution waged by Filipinos against Spain. The play probes the connections between the two archipelagos through the story of a Filipino journalist who travels to Indonesia to write a story about Pramoedya in hopes of making more Filipinos know about his life and struggle. The play evolves to become not just about the courage and commitment of a writer, but also an exploration of the Indonesian and Filipino experiences.
About the playwright
Benjamin Pimentel is the author of UG, An Underground Tale, Pareng Barack: Filipinos in Obama's America and the novel Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street which won the 2007 National Book Award for fiction and adapted for the stage in 2008 by Tanghalang Pilipino. A native of Quezon City, he is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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SET E
PAGSUBLI
Aizel Cabilan
SYNOPSIS:
Pagsubli tells about how an old native man and a soon-to-be-wed lady from Manila met in an old, rickety waiting shed along the side of a road. In the course of their waiting and, later on, conversation and return to memory lane will they uncover each other's story. This "return", unknowingly, will lead to the eventual unfolding of how they know each other and, more importantly, how they know themselves. Set just before the warm and calm sunset on the province of Sagada, Pagsubli which mean return or "pagbalik", is enrichened with Kangkanaey language and lullabies.
Director Melvin Lee Melvin Lee
Playwright Aizel Arnelli Cabanlit-Cabilan Aizel Cabilan
Stage Manager Lucia Kristina Francesca M. David Mikou David
Actor Cheryl C. Ramos Che Ramos
Actor Dante Balois Dante Balois
Actor Nolan Oliva Nolan Oliva
Actor Marinette A. Oliva
About the director
Melvin Lee is a senior artist teacher of PETA. Virgin director for CCP's Labfest but has directed for PETA's Laboratory and season plays. Currently the operations director of the Company and also dabbles as an assistant director for TV commercials. He hopes to continue creating either as an actor or as a director.
UNANG REGLA
Ang Unang Regla ni John is a coming-out story of a young boy brought up in a hyper-machismo family. John dreads growing hair as he reaches the age of puberty but adores the hairless bodies of women displayed in posters in their barbershop. Upon waking up from a dream, he discovers the first spurts of hair in his privates. He sneaks away his father's labaha and attempts to shave the thing he hates most.
KUNEHO
SYNOPSIS:
In exchange for four million pesos each, five clueless men are hired by a mysterious employer to accomplish an inanely simple task: to transfer a loaded body bag from one room to another. But suddenly, they find themselves locked inside a metal room, and forced to fight for survival when an absurdly murderous written instruction from their employer surfaces.Will they succumb to the idiocy of compassion and humanity, or rise to the challenge of instinct and cunning?
About the playwright
Guelan (Guelan Luarca) is a Literature student and aspiring actor, writer, director in Loyola Schools, Ateneo de Manila University. Some of his translations are Shakespeare's "Ang Komedya ng mga Napagkamalan" (Comedy of Errors), Chekhov's "Ang Bargas" (The Boor), William Golding's "Poon ng mga Bangaw" (Lord of the Flies), Shakespeare's "Prospero" (The Tempest, with BJ Crisostomo), Pinter's "Ang Utos sa Itaas" (The Dumb Waiter), Artaud's "Tilandoy ng
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Dugo" (Spurt of Blood), Anouilh's "Euridis" (Euridice, with BJ Crisostomo and Kim Quilicot), and Camus' "Caligula" (with BJ Crisostomo, Kim Quilicot, and Lester Abuel). He contributed to the Tanghalang Ateneo play "Baha-bahang Buhay", and devised "Sintang Dalisay", using Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and G.D. Roke's awit, together with Dr. Ricardo G. Abad. He is currently finishing his translation of Shakespeare's "Troilus and Cressida", and is one of five founding members of a young, daring theater group called Shaharazade. He is sincerely grateful to the mentorship of his playwrighting teacher, Prof. Glenn Sevilla Mas.
About the director
Writer/director Emmanuel Dela Cruz has been the recipient of several awards and distinctions from the Gawad Urian, Gawad CCP, Luna, Famas, Cinemanila and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award among others. He is best known for his 2006 feature Sarong Banggi starring Jaclyn Jose. Dela Cruz’s recent filmmaking endeavors include: “SPILL”, “Imagining Edsa”, and his undergrad production thesis, “Gabon.” which went on to win him the title of Best Director for the 2007 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Dela Cruz has also worked as a veteran writer and creative consultant for several television shows such as “Tabing Ilog” and “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” and Star Cinema films “Kailangan Kita” and “D’ Anothers”. On top of that, he is the brains behind ufo Workshops, an annual event which offers courses on fimmaking to basic illustration brought together and mentored by a diverse and highly-respected community of artists. Dela Cruz is also one of the founding members of UFO pictures, IFC (Phil. Independent Filmmaker’s Multi-purpose Cooperative) and Origin8 Media.
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