Makabayan Rap, Francis M. Takes Centerstage in PETA's 3 Stars and a Sun

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Rap music has influenced elements of pop culture such as fashion, film, art, and literature since its emergence in the 1970’s. While critics are quick to point out the tendency of this genre to focus on violent and sexual themes, one modern-day artist, and a nationalist in his own way, has proven its potential to fuel patriotism and impact society. 

Enter the “Master Rapper”, “The Man from Manila” – the legendary Francis M.

YO!

Francis Michael Magalona or better known as Francis M. is rightfully credited as a pioneer and trailblazer who influenced a whole generation of artists with his music.

Francis M. broke the prevailing hip-hop scene and gave birth to “makabayang rap”, an insightful kind of music that proudly expressed one’s sense of nationalism.

While many rappers his age wrote about girls, money, fame, and mainly just about themselves, Francis M. was unafraid to produce intricate, socially nuanced songs that questioned the status quo. He used his songs as a platform to address various cultural and social problems, including apathy, political instability and poverty, among others.

In a time when rap music was a small part of the entertainment industry, he managed to get a fair share of mainstream attention with the release of his groundbreaking album ‘Yo!’. The album, which became a runaway success, included one of his most popular songs ‘Mga Kababayan’ and “Man From Manila”.

After ‘Yo!’, he released his confidently titled second album ‘Rap is FrancisM’, which featured the tracks ‘Mga Praning’, ‘Tayo’y Mga Pinoy’, ‘Halalan’, and other thought-provoking songs that he has become famous for. Since then, he has been regarded as an important voice and one of the greatest storytellers of his generation.

Known for his limitless musical range, he received superstar status when he added more firepower to his documentary realism by fusing it with rock music. The merging of rock and rap allowed him to collaborate with famous musicians from different genres – a feat that not everybody is gifted enough to accomplish.

Magalona maintained his eloquence while bouncing around from genre to genre, until his early demise in March 6, 2009.

He was fittingly recognized as a cultural icon who was unafraid to charter treacherous territories and conquer them. Hip-hop was his artistic retort to the harsh realities that people of power deliberately ignore. He may have passed on but in death, he and his songs became immortal. 

3 Stars and a Sun

Francis M’s music and legacy continue to provide a rich foundation of material for many artistic expressions. The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) closes its 48th Theater Season with the much-anticipated original musical ‘3 Stars and a Sun’, which features of Francis M’s music. 

Following the success of its smash hit musical ‘Rak of Aegis’, PETA molds ‘3 Stars and a Sun’ as another game-changer that would reach past the traditional play watching crowd and engage a new generation of theater viewers.

The seasoned company and the rapper share the vision and commitment to elevate the purpose of the performing arts from pure entertainment to a platform where serious issues deserving of attention are presented and addressed.

In time for the upcoming national elections, PETA experiments with the sci-fi subgenre dystopia to present a daring social commentary on Philippine politics and culture.

“Though the narrative will not tackle the elections per se, we still hope that the ideas embodied in the play can be both a source of inspiration and reflection on the historical and current ethos of the Filipino as we prepare for another national election,” shares PETA Artistic Director, Maribel Legarda.

‘3 Stars and a Sun’, brainchild of young writer Mixkaela Villalon and multi-awarded playwright Rody Vera, features a chilling plot: It is 2026, and the world has almost come to an end. Nuclear bombs have reduced countries to ashes and a huge portion of the Filipino population has been forced to enter The Stormdome, a fallout shelter made from durable steel. The Stormdome was closed down to protect its inhabitants from the ‘dangers of the outside world’ but also served as an icy prison for those who live in it.

The story unfolds in 2096, 70 years thereafter. The musical opens with Myke Salomon’s fresh arrangement of Francis M’s ‘Mga Kababayan’, and swiftly exposes the harsh realities inside The Stormdome. The dome is deteriorating and resources are hard to come by. Nourishment has been reduced to nutrition-deprived food packs. Education is limited and any trace of Filipino history and identity has been erased. The only thing that has remained the same is the extreme divide between the rich and poor evidenced by the two clashing sectors, Lumino and Diliman.

Due to the uninhabitable conditions in the Diliman scrapyard, a dissident group from the colony of scavengers known as Tropang Gising has threatened to spark a revolution and turn the system upside down. Vidame Inky, supreme leader of The Stormdome attempts to keep peace and order and deploys reprogrammed Protektanods to quash the Diliman rebels led by fiery leader Sol. In a desperate attempt to keep power within her reach, Vidame Inky grooms her son Chino to be the next leader of the Stormdome and puts him in-charge of mind-wiping workers.

Meanwhile Vidame Inky’s daughter, Diane has refused to be part of her mother’s politics. Instead her attention has been drawn to finding answers about the disparity of her charmed life in Lumino City and the people of Diliman. Despite Vidame Inky’s effort to control all the information inside the Dome, Mang Okik, the oldest resident of Diliman Sector seems to have the answers to many of Diane’s questions.

‘3 Stars and a Sun’ offers a dystopian look at what our future can come to if the problems of the present are left unresolved. The play aims to serve as a cautionary tale and a challenge to today’s youth to act together and act swiftly before it’s too late.

From left; Giannina Ocampo as Dianne, Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Congresswoman Inky Montevista and Paolo Valenciano as Chino

The talented cast is headed by Nicco Manalo and Gold Villar as the fiery gang leader Sol. Paolo Valenciano and Gio Gahol alternate as the smug slacker Chino, joined by Justine Peña and Giannina Ocampo as Diane. Che Ramos-Cosio and Carla Guevara Laforteza portrays the rogue Vidame Inky while Bodjie Pascua and Raffy Tejada share the role of Mang Okik. They are joined by a strong slew of young theater talents, Anna Luna, Jet Barrun, John Moran, Nar Cabico, Lee Villoria, EJ Pepito, Anj Heruela, Gab Pangilinan, Jef Flores, Norbs Portales, Jason Barcial, Raflesia Bravo, Yesh Burce, Lance Busa, Roi Calilong, Gimbey dela Cruz, Nica Santiago, and Ian Segarra.

‘3 Stars and a Sun’ has an equally gifted artistic team. The musical is headed by Nor Domingo as director, with exciting musical arrangements by Myke Salomon. It features production design by Gino Gonzales, lighting design by Shoko Matsumoto and Ian Torqueza, sound design by Teresa Barrozo and choreography by Delphine Buencamino.

The musical opens February 4 at The PETA Theater Center and ends on Francis M’s 7th death anniversary on March 6. Shows are Tuesdays to Sundays (Tue-Fri 8PM, Sat-Sun 3PM and 8PM). For tickets contact PETA (02) 725-6244, petatheater.com or TicketWorld (02) 891-9999, ticketworld.com.ph.

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PETA opens its doors to theater hopefuls with Workshop Weekends 2

With four classes overflowing with students and professionals looking to take hold of creative pursuits, PETA opened its first of three Workshop Weekends cycles this July 25 at the PETA Theater Center studios.

Workshop Weekends is a series of theater workshops for students and adults. Specially designed for individuals with busy lifestyles, it features ten extensive sessions on the weekends, with three exciting courses to choose from: Theater Arts, Basic Acting, and Creative Musical Theater.

If you missed the first cycle, you need not worry. Workshop Weekends is back for its second cycle this October 10 to December 6. 

Each course incorporates PETA’s Integrated Theater Arts Approach, which combines five different disciplines in theater— creative drama, body movement and dance, creative sound and music, creative writing and visual arts —creating for a well-rounded course suited for theater enthusiasts as well as individuals looking for more creative ways of spending the weekends.

Theater Arts I

For ages 17 and up, immerse in an artistic experience that teaches the fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes in theater acting, dramatic improvisation, and theater production craft.

Basic Acting

For ages 18 and up, discover the disciplines of acting by learning the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude in becoming stage actors. Enhance your acting tools by exploring different acting styles and principles.

Creative Musical Theater

For ages 16 and up, explore the fine arts of musical theater by experiencing the elements of musical performance, composition, and production. Understand the harmonization of the different fields that make a successful musical production.

Enroll now and avail of special discounts! For more information on PETA and its workshops, contact us at 725 6244 or email us at petatheater@gmail.com. You may also contact Tina Sablayan at 0905 369 6003 PETA is located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

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Kris Bernal and Liza Dino take on the role of the Modern Maria Clara

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES -- 'Maria Clara', a name that often strikes a chord among Filipinos as she is the portrait of an ideal Filipina; graceful, beautiful, and compassionate. In the fast -paced and buzzing world of modernity and technology, do Filipinas still identify with Dr. Jose Rizal's quintessential Filipina icon?

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) redefines the idea of Maria Clara with its restaging of Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil this coming September at the PETA Theater Center. A modern retelling of Rizal's greatest novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil is produced by two theater greats, playwright, Nicanor Tiongson, and director, Soxie Topacio. The production introduces Clarissa, the beautiful damsel and paramour of the hero, Ibarra; the principled and strong-willed 'Maria Clara'. Two talented artists, Kris Bernal and Liza Dino-Seguerra, gear up for the role of Clarissa.

An exchange between these two young stars revealed their expectations, and challenges taking on the part of the dynamic Clarissa.

'I see Maria Clara as someone with values. I want to be able to show the audience that even if society is changing, the values that Maria Clara held on to before is still the same. She is a very loving daughter and she takes responsibility for her actions.', Kris explains when asked about her portrayal of Clarissa, to which Liza agrees with.

'I'd like to portray this Maria Clara as somebody who makes her choices, whether it's wrong or right; to take responsibility of those choices. I see her as a woman with principles. It takes such a strong person to give up and sacrifice the love of her life to protect her family.', Liza reflects and even teases the compelling character development of Clarissa as the production reaches a turning point towards the end where she finds her true strength.

Where both actors agree on the character and personality of Clarissa, they're also finding a few challenges in translating and relating to the modern Maria Clara.

'As an actor, I consider script analysis as a very important factor. I'd like to take on the journey of the character and honestly, I'm still looking for her [Clarissa]. I'm a very headstrong person and Clarissa may not be that. I'm still looking for the perfect balance between the character and myself.', Liza muses.

Comparing it to her experience in television and film, Kris admits that she is still getting used to the techniques of theatrical acting. 'There are so many things to adjust. Actions have to bigger and my voice has to be loud. Di ka rin pwede magkamali sa lines, dapat perfect, and you also have to know your cue unlike in TV where we can have several takes.'

Although there's still a long road ahead to achieving the character of the Modern Maria Clara, both artists are positive as they are supported by the cast and staff, and most especially, their director, Soxie Topacio.

'[Soxie Topacio] encourages me to find my vulnerability. He keeps telling me that my weakness is my strength. Every day is a learning experience', Liza describes how Soxie Topacio coaches her to find her inner Clarissa.

'I'm very thankful to PETA for giving me this opportunity. Sa dami ng pinagpipilian nila na mas experienced, they chose me to carry the role. Thankful din ako na kahit first time kong makatrabaho yung mga batikan sa teatro, they're very supportive. They let me ask questions and it really inspires me to see how they work. I'm enjoying it.', Kris expresses.

Joining these two artists are a powerful mix of young and experienced actors such as: Raul Alfonso, Jojo Atienza, Lucho Ayala, Rikki Benedicto, Renante Bustamante, Roi Calilong, Buddy Caramat, Mikou David, Eric Dela Cruz, Jess Evardone, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Gio Gahol, Neomi Gonzales, Joseph Madriaga, Richard Manabat, Nicole Manlulo, Michelle Ngu, Gie Onida, Kitsi Pagaspas, Jo-ann Pamintuan, Norbs Portales, Ian Segarra, Raffy Tejada, Marco Viana, and Jack Yabut. With the set design by Gino Gonzales, lighting by Jonjon Villareal, sound design by Dodjie Fernandez and Noel Cabangon, choreography by Dudz Terana, costume design by Arlene Crisostomo, and fight choreograhy by Jack Yabut, Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil promises to be scenic masterpiece that rivals a cinematic experience.

Catch it at the PETA Theater Center starting on September 10 to 13 and at the Springs Production Studios on September 18 to 27. Interested viewers may get their tickets at www.ticketworld.com.ph or 891 9999. For more information on Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil and the cast, contact PETA at 725 6244, 0905 353 6602, or visit www.petatheater.com.

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Cherie Gil shares thoughts on first Filipino production

by Mia Lopez

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Critically acclaimed veteran film and television actress Cherie Gil has built for herself a sparkling repertoire, playing women of opulence and strong character since she began her career in the 80’s.

Who can forget her portrayal of wicked stepsister proportions in the 1985 Sineserye Bituing Walang Ningning as the driven Lavinia Arguelles famous for the ‘you’re-nothing-but-a-second-rate-trying-hard-copy-cat’ bitchy one-liner, or her more recent appearance in Temptation of Wife as the ruthless mother-in-law, Stella Salcedo. But apart from her villainous reputation on Filipino soap operas, is a likewise— if not more— illustrious career on the theater stage.

Her theater career

Gil was recently lauded as the show-stopping Liliane Lefleur in the five-time Tony Award winning musical, Nine; restaged by Atlantis Productions. In 2013 she was the seductive Mrs. Robinson in Repertory Philippines’ The Graduate and in the same year captured the essence of fashion doyenne Diana Vreeland in a solo show for Actors Actors Inc., and My Own Mann Productions entitled Full Gallop. She was equally stellar in Terrence McNally’s Master Class as Greek-American soprano Maria Callas.

But it was in her memorable first portrayal in Terrence McNally’s Master Class as Greek-American soprano Maria Callas, that she was eyed by New York-based director and designer Loy Arcenas for the lead in what would become Arbol de Fuego.

Arcenas shares, “I first saw Cherie Gil magnificent on stage as Maria Callas in Terrence McNally’s Master Class… [meanwhile] Cherry Orchard was slowly becoming an interesting dream and whenever I would bump into Cherie, I would tell her that she [would] make a great Ranevskaya, the matriarch in The Cherry Orchard and we would laugh about it. So when the PETA offer came about, Cherie had to be Madame Enriquietta Jardeleza-Sofronio.”

Many firsts

Arbol de Fuego is Gil’s major role with PETA and first Filipino stage production. She shares that she is equally excited and anxious in this albeit fulfilling undertaking; also noting that her mother Rosemarie Gil has also acted for PETA in the past. “To be a part of a PETA production,” she says, “is possibly the most important project I have been involved with in my 36-year career”. She adds, “To be able to work with such a formidable company, and in Filipino at that, would have been an opportunity too hard to pass up as an actor; a challenge such as this would truly help me develop my body of work.”

Gil took to the character immediately, saying she is especially fond of playing strong women with their own vulnerabilities.

She says, “No other material has affected me as deeply. As grueling a ride it may have been, it certainly gave me fresh insight into this third chapter of my life.” When asked about similarities between her and her character, jokingly quips “we are both bipolar.” Jokes aside, “she lives in her own illusion,” Gil added.

Arbol de Fuego

Arbol de Fuego is a reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. The comedy-drama, adapted by multi-awarded playwright Rody Vera, is set in 1970’s Negros Occidental, during the Marcos era sugar monopoly when many Negrense sugar barons and aristocrats stood helpless in their decline. Matriarch Enriquietta Jardeleza-Sofronio— sophisticated, well read, and highly emotional— comes back from a lengthy stay in Madrid, grieving the death of her only son. After having squandered the family’s money abroad, she finds out of the plans to sell her ancestral estate, and chop down the rows of arbol de fuegos that frame it. She refuses out of pride and instead throws party after lavish party to reminisce about her opulent past in an effort to forget her depleting wealth.

Stellar Cast

Arbol de Fuego boasts of a stellar cast. Alongside Cherie is Urian best actress awardee Angeli Bayani plays Charito, Enriquetta’s adopted daughter who takes care of the estate while they are away. Self-made businessman former servant Nonoy Tiking is played by PETA senior artist-teacher Raffy Tejada. British Independent Film Award nominee Jake Macapagal plays Enriquetta’s ostentatious brother Adjie, while 2013 Cinema One Best Actress Anna Luna plays her naïve and optimistic daughter. Joining them is money-grubbing former nobleman Chitong played by esteemed actor, director and set designer Leo Rialp; young intellectual Dante played by Riki Benedicto; and old but faithful mayordomo Manong Ikong played by Bembol Roco. A host of talented actors round off the cast as the family’s hired servants played by Anthony Falcon, Lao Rodriguez, Gie Onida, Kiki Baento, and Divine Aucina.

Catch Cherie Gil in Arbol de Fuego; a truly Filipino production that is not to be missed! The play opens on February 20, 2015 with shows from Fridays to Sundays, 3:00pm and 8:00pm at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. For tickets information, contact PETA at 725-6244 or 0917 5765400 or contact Ticket World at ticketworld.com.ph 891-9999.

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From Aegis to Chekhov

From Aegis to Chekhov
PETA seduces audiences with another must-see theater piece

By Leloi Arcete

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – After the chart-topping success of the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) OPM comedy musical Rak of Aegis, PETA brings new life to Anton Chekhov’s timeless world classic The Cherry Orchard in its new play Arbol de Fuego.

From Rak of Aegis’ flooded subdivision of Barangay Venizia, PETA’s black box theater will be transformed into a failing hacienda in the sugar lands of Negros, patterned after the failing orchards of the Russian landed gentry in The Cherry Orchard. If Rak of Aegis was a comedy musical of popular jukebox hits that tickled the audience’s fancy for the familiar, Arbol De Fuego is what we call a ‘dramedy’: a bittersweet comedy-drama about a family’s struggle against the shifting social order of the changing times.

Deviating from the usual serious and melodramatic staging of Cherry Orchard, PETA’s adaptation is told with underlying sarcasm and humor that Chekhov had originally intended for the play.

“Chekhov is a dramatist known for farce. People usually think of this dark, sad, serious play because that was how director Stanislavski staged it. It’s very literary, but it’s really a comedy,” shares writer Rody Vera.

Arbol de Fuego laughs at the habits and tendencies of the diminishing aristocratic class as it focuses on the self-indulgences and obsession with material wealth of the rich. Like Rak of Aegis, the play also illustrates the plight of the working class, their struggles, and tribulations.

Another play where the plot stems from domestic troubles, Arbol de Fuego tells the story of an aristocratic family on the eve of an impending foreclosure of their estate. The protagonist, Enriquetta Jardeleza-Sofronio, returns to the family estate to face the prospect of impending bankruptcy and losing their land with its beloved rows of flame trees, or what is locally known as arbol de fuego. Fortunately, a former servant’s son, now a successful property developer, has a cunning plan to save the estate.

Arbol de Fuego has the makings of another promising theater hit like Rak of Aegis. The play combines the power of a world classic with a band of notable theater talents: multi-awarded director-designer Loy Arcenas, prolific playwright Rody and sought-after composer and musical director Vincent de Jesus.

Arbol de Fuego also boasts of a stellar cast. The brilliant acting ensemble is led by seasoned actress Cherie Gil, who plays the role of Enriquetta Jardeleza-Sofronio. Alongside Gil is Urian best actress awardee Angeli Bayani who plays Charito, Enriquetta’s adopted daughter who takes care of the estate while they are away. British Independent Film Award nominee Jake Macapagal plays Enriquetta’s ostentatious brother Adjie, while 2013 Cinema One Best Actress Anna Luna plays Enriquetta’s naïve and optimistic daughter . Joining them is money-grubbing former nobleman Chitong played by well-known actor, director and set designer Leo Rialp; Self-made businessman and former servant Nonoy Tiking played by Raffy Tejada; young intellectual Dante played by Riki Benedicto; and old but faithful mayordomo Manoy Iking played by Bembol Roco. A host of talented actors round off the cast as the family’s hired servants played by Anthony Falcon, Lao Rodriguez, Gie Onida, Kiki Baento, and Divine Aucina.

With a dose of farce and a dash of drama, Arbol de Fuego is sure to be an astounding acting piece and a feast for the senses; a truly Filipino production that should not be missed! The play opens on February 20, 2015 with shows from Fridays to Sundays, 3:00pm and 8:00pm at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. For show buying and ticket information, contact PETA at 725 6244 or 0917 5765400 or contact Ticket World at ticketworld.com.ph 891-9999.

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2014 Lampara Children’s Storytelling Competition

LAMPARA PUBLISHING HOUSE, INC. and the
PHILIPPINE EDUCATIONAL THEATER ASSOCIATION (PETA)
Present KUWENTONG BATA, KUWENTISTANG BATA
2014 Lampara Children’s Storytelling Competition

Now in its third year, PETA, the country’s pioneering company in the use of theater for education, joins one of the country’s biggest publishing companies, Lampara Publishing House in enriching the competition with creative workshops to enhance the participants’ storytelling and performance skills.

Register now to begin a fun journey of learning, self-discovery and telling of some of the most exciting and value-laden children’s stories!

HOW TO REGISTER

1. Application forms are available in all PRECIOUS PAGES NCR outlets and the PETA Theater Center located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila Quezon City. You may also email petastorytelling@yahoo.com to request for an electronic copy of the form.

2. Fill-up registration form and submit to any of the PRECIOUS PAGES outlet or to the PETA Theater Center with the following:

a. Photocopy of student ID and school registration form
b. Registration fee of P 400.00 which will cover workshop and materials costs.

COMPETITION RULES

1. Eligible Participants

The competition will have two categories:
· Category A Grades 1-4
· Category B Grades 5-7

Each school may send up to 3 participants per category.

2. Storytelling Workshop and Selection of Finalists

Registered participants should be available to join a 4-hour workshop to be held at the PETA Theater Center on September 5, 2014. The performance showcase at the end of the workshop shall determine the 10 finalists for each category.

Announcement of finalists will be on September 8, 2014.

3. Orientation of the Coaches/Parents

The coaches/parents of all selected participants should be available to attend the orientation for the rules and mechanics of the competition and a children’s rights education session on September 14, 2013.

4. Finalists Workshop

All finalists will be invited to join a 1-day storytelling workshop on September 14, 2013 to be conducted by PETA Artist-Teacher to prepare them for the finals.

5. Finals

The finals will be held during the Manila International Book Fair on September 21, 2014 at the SM Mall of Asia SMX.

PRIZES

1st Prize P 15,000.00
2nd Prize P 12,000.00
3rd Prize P 7,000.00

Plus trophies, certificates and gift packs from Lampara Publishing House, Inc. for winning storytellers and their respective coaches

For more information, contact
LAMPARA STORYTELLING SECRETARIAT
(02) 725-6244, (02) 410-0821 to 22
0916-4376551 (Rexie Quizon)
0915-5813005 (Mark Lim)
petastorytelling@yahoo.com

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British Artist Questions “The Price of Everything”, Live in Manila

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Ever contemplated the difference between ‘price’ and ‘value’? Ever watched a ‘special performance lecture’? How about drank milk in a theater while doing all of the above? Now you can.

The PETA Theater Center, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and British Council Philippines present The Price of Everything by British performer Daniel Bye, showing at the PETA Studios on Thursday, July 10, 7:00 PM.

The Price of Everything has been performed to critical acclaim at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and enjoyed a sold-out run as part of the Northern Stage at St. Stephens Festival last year .

Profound, provocative and definitely funny, Bye becomes the proverbial gadfly through this one-man show. Touted as a ‘special performance lecture’, the show combines stand-up comedy, satire and storytelling.


Writer and performer Daniel Bye offers the audience milk

Bye is a theatre-maker from North East England whose material tackles big political and philosophical issues with naivety and reckless abandon. As part of the show, Bye asks the audience serious questions about ideology and money, while offering them all free glasses of milk!

More than just the show, Bye will also be giving a workshop on July 11 at 1:00PM -5:00PM, also at the PETA Theater Center. The workshop explores techniques in creating solo performances rooted in the performers own advocacies.

The Price of Everything was cited by United Kingdom daily The Times, as the “future of British theatre”. Manila audiences are invited to watch the Philippine premiere of what British paper The Independent reviewed as “ Is this show worth the ticket price? A resounding yes.”

Tickets to the show are P250.

The workshop fee, inclusive of one ticket to the show, is P1,000 per participant.

PETA Studios are located at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5, Eymard Drive, New Manila QC.

For inquiries and reservations, contact Ticketworld or the PETA Theater Center at 7256244 (loc 23), 09175183654 or email peta.theatercenter@gmail.com.

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PETA Offers Circle of Friends Card and Prepaid Card

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Theater Center has emerged to be one of the most hip and happening art events spaces in Quezon City. Last April 5, PETA launched its exciting line up of original works and international offerings for its 47th season.

For original PETA performances, the hit musical Rak of Aegis will be having it's much awaited second run on June 20 to August 31. Meanwhile, Florante at Laura Remastered, a top-flippin' Balagtasan battle which infuses the classic text with gritty hip-hop humor and rippin' rhymes is sure to thrill theater fans this August 8 to September 20. Other beloved PETA productions suchBatang Rizal, William and Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyangwill also be available on tour.

International partnerships with the PETA Theater Center Program offer cutting-edge pieces. In partnership with the British Council Manila, PETA offers Daniel Bye's The Price of Everything, a comic and provocative one-man show, showing on July 10-11, and James Cousin's There We Have Been, an award winning dance, showing this October 9-10. With support from the Japan Foundation Manila, Dora Company's Ayanasu will be showing back to back with PETA's Strong Boy, Deaf Boy and a Girl in an Abaya on July 26 at 3pm and 8pm . Finland's magical show for the whole family, Wally Watthead and His Lost Glow will enthrall audiences during its November run.

Other than a unique season lineup, PETA also offers innovations to make your theater experience more enjoyable. Be our partner through the PETA Circle of Friends Card or make your reservations easy and hassle-free with the new Theater Center Prepaid Card!

Members of the PETA Circle of Friends ensure the continuity of PETA's groundbreaking programs to create a wider art-loving public.

For 5,000.00 PETA Circle of Friends In the Loop receive acknowledgement in the souvenir programs of all major PETA productions for the season, as well as a donation of P1,000 to the Theater Appreciation Program, which pays for the tickets of 2 public school students to a PETA play.

For P10,000.00, members of the PETA Circle of Friends Inner Circle get the following perks:

* VIP Seating (advance reservation required) for all Program Offerings at the Theater Center and 50% discount for up to 2 companions

* Priority parking (advance reservation required)

* 5% discount on PETA workshops

* 5% discount on Theater Center usage

* Use of VIP tambayan (lounge) with free coffee/tea while waiting for Open House Acknowledgment in the souvenir program of all major PETA

Skip long lines and confusing ticket booking with the PETA Theater Center Prepaid Card: a pre-loaded card in P 2,000 and P 5,000 denominations. Cardholders can call in or text their ticket reservations, avoiding the hassle of depositing payments to the bank or going to the venue to pay in advance. The cost of tickets bought will be automatically deducted from your stored card value.

Card holders enjoy the following perks:

* 10% discount on published rate

* 5% discount on PETA workshops

* Plus 1 ticket on first card usage for P 2,000.00

* Plus 1 ticket on the first and second card usage for P5,000.00

Rely on PETA to give you more than just exciting shows and meaningful events, but a whole new way to enjoy theater altogether.

To avail of the PETA Circle of Friends Card and the PETA Theater Center Prepaid Card, contact (632) 725-6244 loc 23, 09175183654 or email peta.theatercenter@gmail.com.

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Theater Arts Workshops at the PETA Theater Center

Quezon City, Philippines -- Want a fresh start this summer? Actors and aspiring actors can now spend their summer in a more fun and active way. Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) annual Summer Theater Arts Workshop is open for another month of creative learning. The available workshops are not just for those young ones—but also for those who are young at heart.

PETA’s student-centered workshops highlight the limitless creative potential of each participant, allowing students to fully express themselves, boost their confidence, and mount their own stories into original productions.

The month-long classes held at The PETA Theater Center are culminated by a full showcase at the 400-seater PETA-Phinma Theater, giving each participant the chance to shine under the limelight of a legitimate stage. Courses run for an average of 14 to 20 sessions ending in a showcase performance for all participants from each of the different courses.

PETA’s Children’s Theater courses enable children to explore and experience music, movement and dance, visual arts, storytelling, drama improvisation, poetry and simple story writing.

Coupled with lots of fun and games, PETA’s creative processes will also develop and enrich every child’s imagination, inspiration, self-confidence, self-appreciation and appreciation of others, nature and culture.

The Teen Theater course challenges the experimental and adventurous nature of the youth through the unique PETA Integrated Theater Arts approach. The course mixes creative drama, creative sounds and music, creative writing, creative body movements and dance, visual arts as well as improvisational theater and new media, allowing teens to express their talents and articulate youth power as they mount their own original piece on relevant youth concerns as part of their recital.

Young aspiring actors, from 17 years old and up, can acquire fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes in improvisational theater production, theater history, theater appreciation, aesthetics and criticism through the Theater Arts course.

PETA is also offering various advanced courses. The Basic Acting course features a series of dialogues with seasoned theater artists, coupled with motivated acting exercises which can turn anyone into a budding stage actor.

The Creative Musical Theater 1 and 2 courses has various sessions on voice, composition, performance, and music explorations.

The workshop will run from April 7 - May 18, 2014 at The PETA Theater Center, located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City, For enrollment inquiries and for further details, contact PETA at 725-6244 loc. 14-15, 0906 5564800, petatheater@gmail.com.

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Enrollment in PETA's summer workshops now open

Enrollment in the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s annual summer workshops is now open, with courses on Children’s Theater, Teen Theater, Theater Arts, Basic Acting, Advanced Acting, and Creative Musical Theater.

The workshops are made for the participants to develop their skills and confidence through the arts by enrolling in PETA’s Summer Program which runs from April 7 to May 18, 2014.

Exclusive discounts are offered for early enrolees until February, for group enrolees, for students joining the workshops at least thrice, for BPI Jumpstart cardholders, and for members of Theater Actors Guild.

As one of the most leading training grounds for aspiring actors, PETA’s workshops have produced a number of seasoned artists today.

Each course incorporates the unique Integrated Theater Arts approach, which combines the five different disciplines in theater – creative drama, body movement and dance, creative sound and music, creative writing, and visual arts.

For enrolment inquiries and for further details, contact PETA at 09065564800, 725-6244 or email at petatheater@gmail.com.

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PETA and Lampara Storytelling Contest

“Kuwentong Bata, Kuwentistang Bata”,

the 2012 LAMPARA STORY TELLING COMPETITION

Storytelling has been part of every Filipino's life for so long. It is an age-old tradition among Filipinos to pass on information and stories from one person to another. The stories have spread before you even say the saying "spread the word". Along with these stories are values, traditions and a culture that the elders would want to pass on to their children.

Today, the culture of "kwentuhan", storytelling among families and friends are still there. Filipinos do love to tell stories. Stories about their own life, others and things that surround them. It is a way of learning from someone else's experiences, having to live someone else's life vicariously. Storytelling is also a popular tool that teachers use in their lessons and classrooms. Parents also use storytelling as a tool to teach their children values and other things.

In its aim to promote the love for reading among children, Lampara Publishing House Inc., one of the leading children's books publisher in the country partners with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) to bring a new and exciting experience to children storytellers.

LAMPARA AND PETA invites elementary school students to join this year competition. There will be two categories: Category A – Grades 1 to 4 and Category B – Grades 5 – 7. Finals will be held at the Mall of Asia – SMX. Big prizes await this year’s top 3 winners. Registration forms are available at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City and in all Precious Pages outlets. Deadline for registration is on August 7. Register now for a fun experience of learning, creating and telling of different stories!

For more information, please call, Yeyin dela Cruz or Patricia Liwanag at the Kuwentong Bata, Kuwentistang Bata Secretariat at 725-6244, 4100821, thru mobile numbers 09179002665, 09155027740 or email petastorytelling@yahoo.com.

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Agnes Locsin's PUNO at the PETA Theater Center

TWO INTERNATIONAL DANCE ARTISTS PERFORM IN AGNES LOCSIN'S "PUNO: PANGATLONG GALAW"

MANILA, Philippines - Ugat, Dahon, Puno. Thus is the natural flow of the growth and flourishing of trees. Thus is the flow of Agnes Locsin's Alay Sa Puno series, a tribute to trees, a dirge for their disappearance, and a plea for reforestation.

Award-winning dance artist Gaye Galiluyo takes center stage for PUNO, a concert a deux directed by Agnes Locsin.

This August, the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City will present the third of the series - Puno: Pangatlong Galaw, a one-hour concert a deux directed by Locsin in a collaborative choreography with the inimitable dancers, Gaye Galiluyo and Georgette Sanchez. Following UGAT: Unang Galaw, and DAHON: Ikalawang Galaw, PUNO: Pangatlong Galaw explores the literal, physical and symbolical virtues of the texture of and strength garnered from the trunks that bear the weight of life.

While the first and second solo concerts focused on the common trees around the Philippines, PUNO will focus on the hard and red wood trees found mostly in the vanishing forests of the Philippines. This concert will show the strength of nearly if not already extinct trees like the Apitong, Yakal, Tugas, Kamagong, Mangkono, Bagtikan, trees, along with the lesser known as hard trees like the Caimito, Lechiyas and Bayabas trees. In a collection of solo and duo dances, PUNO will expound on the parallelisms in a fight from extinction and the fight for survival of men, women, and trees.

To give life to this grand vision are dance virtuosos, Gaye Galiluyo and Georgette Sanchez. Both international artists are alumnae of Ballet Philippines where they first crossed paths and trained with Agnes Locsin. Both also garnered awards from competitions. Galiluyo was the First Prize Winner for performance and interpretation of WHICH CLUB? at the 9th International Solo Tanz Theater in 2005 in Germany and a bronze medalist in the Masdanza International Dance Competition in Spain while in 2000, Sanchez won the silver medal in the 9th Paris International Dance Competition, for her performances in Agnes Locsin's September and Alden Lugnasin's Aku.

International dancer Georgette Sanchez displays focus and grace in Agnes Locsin's PUNO

In 1999, Galiluyo moved to Switzerland to dance with Tanztheater Basel. A year later, she then went on to Germany to join the Geissen Dance Company as well as the Irina Pauls Tanztheater. She is currently an independent artist based in Freiburg, Germany but comes home for her mentor's choreographic forays. And so does Sanchez. Sanchez, though currently based in Bacolod, is also a presence in the European dance scene. She danced with ABC Dance Company in Austria and for Tanz Darmstadt in Germany and will join the Tanz Oper in Munich, Germany this August. They were both seen in the Philippines in Locsin's Sayaw, Sabel (2010) and previously in Sayaw LikhANG KIUKOK (2005).

Puno: Pangatlong Galaw will have two performances at the PETA Theater Center on August 1 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets at P500 (VIP), P350 (Regular), and P220 (Student Price). Contact: 735-6244 or 0916-3090707

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PETA Adapts BONA For Stage

PETA Adapts BONA For Stage

by Karmel Lara and Leloi Arcete

MANILA, Philippines - "Bona" re-emerges this August as Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) opens its 45th theater season in retrospect of a film classic that once captivated the hearts of Filipino audiences.

Originally directed by National Artist for Film and one of PETA's founding members Lino Brocka, the film "Bona" is about a young schoolgirl played by Nora Aunor who became a die-hard fan of Gardo, a wannabe actor essayed by Philip Salvador.

Aunor's portrayal of Bona won her the Best Actress Award in the 1980 Gawad Urian Awards. The film written by Cenen Ramones was also an official entry in the 1981 Cannes International Film Festival Director's Fortnight and was cited as one of the "100 Best Films of the World" by The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles.

Set in contemporary Manila, PETA's stage adaptation of "Bona"revolves around Eugene Domingo as a spinster call center agent who becomes a fan of Gino Sanchez (Edgar Allan Guzman), a contestant in the talent search 'Star of Tomorrow'. Blinded by her obsession on Gino, Bona turns her back on everything she values and gives up nearly everything she has. Caught in a quicksand of worship and pity, Bona proves how obsession may overpower love and even lead to a person's demise.

Layeta Bucoy, who wrote the stage adaptation, shares her insight about the difference of the new Bona to the film. "Eugene's Bona is more empowered; she is financially independent and even supports her family. As a fan, she lays claim to empowerment, as she believes that the inclusion of fan votes in a talent search on TV affords her to choose tomorrow's next big star. Since her admiration is also stamped with pity, blinded with altruism, she gives the aspiring star her all," shares Bucoy.

Bucoy also expressed her excitement over Domingo's portrayal of Bona, "I believe she has the stamina, range, and imagination for a physically and emotionally taxing role."

The award-winning TV and film actress is joined by a stellar cast of theater actors: Phil Noble, Joey Paras, Jeff Henson-Dee, She Maala, Olive Nieto, Dudz Teraña, Junevir Tabor, Juliene Mendoza, Raffy Tejada, Jason Barcial, BJ Forbes, and Anna Luna. The stage adaptation is directed by theater stalwart Soxie Topacio.

"Bona" will run from August 24 to September 23 at The PETA Theater Center. For more information, contact 725-6244, 0917-5765400,

www.petatheater.com, www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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PETA and Repertory Philippines Team Up For "Care Divas"

MANILA, Philippines - Manila's pioneer theater groups, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Repertory Philippines are producing the much-awaited encore performances of the hit musical comedy "Care Divas" this coming April 27-29, at Greenbelt, Onstage.

"Care Divas" is a disarmingly funny and candid musical drama about five transgender Overseas Filipino Workers in Israel who work as care givers in the morning and transform into glamorous drag queen performers come night fall. While desperate to make ends meet in another country, they also struggle to search for freedom and acceptance in a foreign land.

The play's theatrical and wickedly funny text, written by award-winning playwright, Liza Magtoto cradles lovely, gentle moments that mull over the lives of the main characters: the kind and loving Chelsea, the often-sarcastic group leader Shai, the ditsy Thalia, the bubbly Kayla and the ill-tempered Jonee.



Vincent de Jesus' musical score leaves audiences humming tunes as it weaves through the narrative. Music and lyrics serve as the other "text" that embodies the romantic-whimsy of this play.

Directed by Maribel Legarda, the creative team behind the show also includes costume designer John Abul, lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal, visual artist and set designer Leo Abaya and contemporary dancer and choreographer Carlon Matobato.



"Care Divas" includes a powerhouse cast of theater actors: PETA artists Melvin Lee, Vincent De Jesus, Phil Noble, Buddy Caramat, Dudz Teraña, Jason Barcial and Eric dela Cruz. Featured guest artists are: Paul Holme, Ricci Chan, Jerald Napoles, Myke Salomon, Angeli Bayani together with Miguel Hidalgo and Dominic Miclat-Janssen.

Veteran actress and Repertory Philippines' Children's Theater Artistic Director, Joy Virata joins the cast as Adara and Sara, roles formerly portrayed by PETA President, Cecilia Garrucho.

Watch "Care Divas" at Greenbelt Onstage this April 27 (8:00PM) 28 & 29 (3:00PM & 8:00PM), 2012. For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at Tel. No. 725-6244, 410-0821 or 0917-5765400,petatheater@gmail.com.

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Melvin Lee Teaches PETA's Basic Acting Course

 

MANILA, Philippines – Melvin Lee is one of the most successful actors in the Philippine theater scene today. Critics have distinguished his recent performance as Chelsea in PETA’s “Care Divas” as a “standout” among other performances of this year. He was also superb as Doctor Beau Batoctol, in PETA's "Skin Deep" and as Sabel in Agnes Locsin's "Sayaw Sabel".

When he is not performing on stage, Lee is found shooting commercials as a freelance assistant director in advertising. He also directs plays, concerts and events. Between his many jobs that require him to act and direct, Lee finds time to do what he loves doing – teaching theater.

Lee’s first experience in acting started when he was a young teenager who joined the PETA’s Summer Teen Theater Workshop. After more than twenty years with the company, he is now known to be one of the company’s more illustrious artist-teachers. Every summer, Lee crosses four weeks off his busy calendar to teach in PETA’s Summer Theater Arts Workshop held at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City.

“I continue to teach because if we want to have a continuous flow of new breed of actors they need training and guidance. I was once a young person too, and it’s my turn to give back to the next generation. The workshop also gives me the chance to experiment as a director and it validates my knowledge as a practicing actor”, Lee shares.

This April, Lee is teaching PETA’s Basic Acting Workshop, a course for adults (17 and up) designed to provide basic knowledge, skills and attitudes for budding stage actors. Students, regardless of their experience, are taught through acting games, movement and scene work. The workshop focuses on stage presence, voice projection, movement, character building and analysis, working with a scene partner, and creating their original pieces.

Aside from Basic Acting, PETA also offers other courses like Children’s Theater, Teen Theater, Theater Arts, Creative Musical Theater and Creative Dance Theater. Starting March, Lee is also preparing for his comeback as Chelsea, for the first-ever performance of “Care Divas” at Greenbelt, Onstage this April 27-29, 2012, produced through the partnership of PETA and Repertory Philippines.

For more information regarding PETA’s workshops, contact 725-6244, 410-0821 or 0906-2115003, 0917-5391112 or e-mail petatheater@gmail.com.

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PETA Summer Workshop 2012

CREATIVE SUMMER WITH PETA
by Leloi Arcete

MANILA, Philippines - Tucked in the middle of the suburban area of New Manila, Quezon City is a creatively charged environment where come summer, young aspiring artists take center stage.

Since its inauguration six years ago, Philippine Educational Theater Association's (PETA) home, The PETA Theater Center has been the venue of not only PETA's performances and events, but also its annual summer workshops during the months of April and May.



These theater arts classes are a mix of acting classes with voice and speech, movement, dance, writing, and improvisation modules. The workshop encourages participants to use their imagination, explore the world of live performance and expand their creative potential.

In PETA, workshop techniques are taught from a student-centered point of view. Without competition or pressure, the emphasis is on the process of the work and the importance of the collaboration.

The workshop programs are tailored to every age group. The Children's Theater courses (Children's Theater 1 & 2) expose children from 6-12 to short-story writing, poetry, movement and dance, visual arts, music and drama improvisation.



The courses for teens (Teen Theater & Teen Theater Production) are more challenging and exciting, to cover the more enthusiastic temperament of those in this age. Teens not only learn a good mix of creative writing, creative body movements and dance, visual arts, creative drama, creative sounds and music, new media and improvisational theater during the workshops but are also given a greater sense of self-confidence and accomplishment as they mount an original recital piece to express their personal and social concerns.

Through the Theater Arts course, young adults 17 and above are given the chance to learn the basics in theater history, theater appreciation, aesthetics and criticism and improvisational theater production.

Advanced courses for young adults 17 and above are also being offered such as the Basic Acting, which involves dialogues with respected theater artists and acting exercises the will enhance one's natural skills. Aside from this, Creative Musical Theater offers lessons on composition, voice, performance and a variety of music explorations while Creative Dance Theater delves deeper into body movements as one's medium of artistic expressions and takes a closer looks to using the best way possible in order to tell a story.

Explore your creativity this summer! To register, contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at Tel. No. 725-6244, 410-0821 or 0906-2115003, petatheater@gmail.com.

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A Master at Work: Nonon Padilla Directs PETA’s Haring Lear

MANILA, Philippines – People who have seen Nonon Padilla’s works say that his theatrical creations are filled with imagery and metaphor. So as he starts to develop another unique form of artistic creation with the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) Haring Lear

Felix “Nonon” Padilla is one of the most original, accomplished and influential figures in contemporary Philippine theater. His inventive style, unique artistry and uncanny ability to make audiences ponder, mark his works with streaks of “genius”. As a director, he is known for pushing boundaries and for introducing new forms and styles to feed the hungry minds of Filipinos.

“While he is well-versed in the classics, Nonon is at home with the whole range of the arts both classical and modern. He can toss seemingly incongruous artistic ingredients together and organize them into a unified, innovative piece of theater”, shares PETA President, Cecilla Garrucho.

Every two years, PETA traditionally produces a Nonon Padilla play so as to create a mix of various styles. Padilla last worked with PETA for the symbolism-filled, stylized staging of Tony Perez’ Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?

Unlike the original text set in prehistoric Britain, Padilla’s version is located in a post-nuclear world that is strangely familiar. “I thought it would be interesting to set the play in the future, a future that is as bleak as it was in the barbaric or the primitive times”, said Padilla.

Exciting and suspenseful, PETA’s Haring Lear retains Shakespeare’s beautiful and devastating themes of love, madness, death and sacrifice.

A masterpiece deserves nothing less than the skilled hands of a master director like Nonon Padilla. Haring Lear

Haring Lear is presented by PETA and British Council. It is supported by National Commission for Culture and the Arts, JackTV, 2ndAvenue, BusinessWorld, HerWord.com, juice.ph, clickthecity.com and eyp.ph. The play will run every Friday (7:00PM), Saturday and Sunday (10:00AM/3:00PM) from January 27 until March 4, 2012 at The PETA Theater Center. For ticket reservations, contact 7256244, 4100821-22, 09175765400, or buy tickets online at petatheater@gmail.com, www.petatheater.com.

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Shakespeare Happenings at PETA for the Month of February

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
PETA's Shakespeare offerings for the love month of Feb

MANILA, Philippines - William Shakespeare has written a hundred sonnets and plays about the irony, tragedy, and splendor of love. He wrote about love from all angles, encompassing all ages, status and cultures. He has looked at love from a perspective of a desperate lover, an aging father or a loyal servant. This love month of February, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) has three Shakespeare offerings for all love moods and persuasions.

The lovesick

This concert is a celebration of love in all its forms - old and new, unrequited or unconditional. "Thee Na Natuto: A Sonnets Concert for the Lovesick" is a musical experience that transforms Shakespeare's sonnets into Filipino songs featuring 12 Filipino poets translating the verses (National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera, Pete Lacaba, Joi Barrios, Luna Sicat-Cleto and many more), as well as several artist-musicians (with the likes of Noel Cabangon, Vince de Jesus and DJ Myke) composing and performing the tunes. The sonnets concert will happen on the nights of February 22, 29 and March 7, 2012 at the PETA Theater Center Studios.

Love and madness

PETA's contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare's evocative masterpiece, King Lear is now on its second weekend. National Artist for Literature, Bienvenido Lumbera translates the text into prose while retaining the rhythm, texture and elegant brutality of Shakespeare's tragedy. Acclaimed theater director, Nonon Padilla then turns the epic classic into a modern-dress contemporary family drama, while World Stage Design awardee Gino Gonzales establishes the dark aesthetic, settings and styles of the play.

"Haring Lear" features a traditional Shakespeare all-male cast helmed by theater stalwart Teroy Guzman who plays the role of the aging monarch, Haring Lear. The play runs every Friday (7:00PM) Saturday and Sunday (10:00AM/3:00PM) from January 27-March 4 at The PETA Theater Center. 'Haring Lear' is produced by PETA in partnership with British Council and National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The love fool

Have children enjoy and fall in love with Shakespeare. UK theatre artist Tim Crouch re-imagines Twelfth Night through the eyes of Shakespeare's most pent-up steward. "I, Malvolio" is a wild, hilarious and unsettling rant from a man adrift in front of a cruel audience, a man notoriously abused.

In this story of bullying and practical jokes, Malvolio enters the madness of Shakespeare's comedy and makes it his own. A story of lost dignity, prudery, practical jokes and bullying, this one-man act of storytelling alchemy draws us deep into the madness of Shakespeare's classic comedy.

Tim Crouch's latest play, "I, Malvolio" premiered at the Brighton Festival last May 2010, and will be in Manila by the second week of Feb. "I, Malvolio" is a project of PETA and British Council.

Whether you are young lovers like Romeo and Juliet, or someone suffering unrequited love like Helena and Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream or a love fool like Malvolio, there's something for you at PETA this February. For tickets, contact 725-6244, 410-0821 to 22, 0917-5765400, petatheater@gmail.com or www.petatheater.com.

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A First: William Shakespeare's King Lear in Filipino

MANILA, Philippines - William Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest global dramatist ever. His works has prompted so many adaptations and retellings and has been articulated in many different forms and languages. However, we Filipinos have never seen one of his greatest plays, King Lear, done in graceful liquid Tagalog prose - until now.

After the back-to-back success of Philippine Educational Theater Association's (PETA) Shakespeare rap musical 'William' and its box office comedy-drama 'Care Divas', PETA opens 2012 with another brave opus: the first-ever Filipino adaptation of William Shakespeare's evocative masterpiece, King Lear.

Set in a post-nuclear world that is strangely contemporary and familiar, Shakespeare's King Lear receives a fitting, royal makeover, fashioned by a pool of Filipino theater giants.

National Artist for Literature, Bienvenido Lumbera translates the text into prose while retaining the rhythm, texture and elegant brutality of Shakespeare's tragedy. Acclaimed theater director, Nonon Padilla then turns the epic classic into a modern-dress contemporary family drama, while World Stage Design Awardee Gino Gonzales establishes the dark aesthetic, settings and styles of the play.

Exciting, suspenseful and virtually violent, PETA's 'Haring Lear' retains Shakespeare's beautiful and devastating themes of the disintegration of family solidarity, running the gamut of love, madness, death and sacrifice.

'Haring Lear' features a traditional Shakespeare all-male cast helmed by theater stalwart Teroy Guzman who plays the role of the aging monarch, Haring Lear. The rest of the cast includes: Gary Lim (Regan), Nor Domingo (Goneril), Abner Delina (Cordelia), Jay Gonzaga (Edmundo), Myke Salomon (Edgardo), Jack Yabut (Gloster), Josel Reyes (Kent), George De Jesus (Oswaldo), Jeff Hernandez (Duke ng Cornualles), Renante Bustamante (Duke ng Albanya), Fredyl Hernandez (Duke ng Burgonia), Angel Moratilla (Hari ng Francia) and Ernie Cloma (Matandang Lalaki).

'Haring Lear' runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 27 until March 4, 2012 at The PETA Theater Center. For tickets, contact 7256244, 4100821-22, 0917-5765400,petatheater@gmail.com, www.petatheater.com.

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Care Divas Finale This December

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Educational Theater Association's (PETA) 'Care Divas' remains a popular contender among the must-see plays of the year. The comedy musical penned by Palanca award-winning playwright Liza Magtoto was set to have a limited thirty-six-show run from February-March 2011. However word-of-mouth spread like wildfire and requests for more shows flooded.

Since then, one additional show led to another and barely nine months since it opened, 'Care Divas' has had sixty-nine shows - more than double the number of the play's scheduled performances!

As a Christmas treat to the fans of the musical, and as a tribute to all OFW's coming home this Christmas, PETA is producing additional fourteen performances of 'Care Divas' this December.

Fans and first time viewers will be treated to a limited engagement - a night of music, laughter and explosive production numbers that will transport them to a remote Israeli Tel Aviv club, where daytime gay caregivers transform into fabulous divas at night!

Don't miss the last fourteen performances of 'Care Divas' at the PETA Theater Center (No.5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City) on December 1 and 8; 8:00PM, December 2, 3, 4, 9,10, 11; 3:00PM / 8:00PM. For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact PETA Marketing at Tel. No. 725-6244, 410-0821 or 0917-5642433, petatheater@gmail.com.

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