Tanghalang Pilipino: "Walang Sugat" by Severino Reyes

Every time I am watching theater play, I am always at  awe on the whole concept, which includes stage setup, languages used, actors and actress who portrays well on their characters, of course the old setting of Philippines and the beautiful Filipiniana and Maria Clara outfit on which I am fascinated. How I wish, that women of today, can still wear those pieces casually. 

And last week (August 16), I had the privileged to watch the Tanghalang Pilipino’s 26^th Season opener “Walang Sugat” by Severino Reyes. This was supposed to be opened last August 8, but due to unpredictable circumstances like the typhoon that hits our country, Tanghalang Pilipino’s artistic director Fernando Josef issued an official statement, informing us, the public about the cancellation of “Walang Sugat” shows that supposedly  opened on August 9 and a week after – Thursday, August 16.

Walang Sugat is an original sarswela which interweaves the personal with the national. This is a story that awakens the viewer’s sense of heroism and patriotism while simultaneously drawing them into the love story of Julia (played by Cris Villonco) and Tenyong (played by Noel Rayos). 

All in all, I liked Walang Sugat especiallt the wedding part, a story of love and nationalism added with a little humor to stimulate viewer’s soul and sagacity. An invigorating reminder that the past helps shape the future as long as we know who we are, where we come from and there’s love.

A heart-felt production plucks the strings of our country’s deepest woe was directed by Carlos Siguion-Reyna. Discover how Carlos and his equally brilliant creative team of Nonoy Froilan (choreographer), Chino Toledo (musical director), Katsch Catoy (lighting designer and technical director), Tuxqs Rutaquio (set designer) and an exceptionally talented ensemble of actors-singers-dancers, transform the 110-year old Sarswela of Severino Reyes (Lola Basyang), first performed in Teatro Libertad in Manila in 1902, into a 2012 musically and visually delightful, heart-rending timely play on ‘dying’ and ‘lying’ for a beloved and for one’s country and its people.

Oh boy, you still have Friday (Aug. 24) at 3pm & 8pm, Saturday (Aug.25) at 3pm & 8pm and Sunday (Aug.26) at 10am & 3pm to catch and watch Walang Sugat the Tanghalang Aurelio V. Tolentino, Cultural Center of the Philippines. 

For tickets, you may call Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999. For further inquiries and ticket reservations, contact Cherry Bong at (632) 832-1125 locals 1620 & 1621 or you may email Tanghalang Pilipino at tanghalangpilipinomarketing@yahoo.com.ph.

 Have Fun and Enjoy Life!