Of man’s death and existence
There’s no better way to cap my August than to watch the theater production of the university’s Mass Communication and Education (English major) juniors, Tao: Isang Tagulaylay!
(Photos by Sam Manuel; more available via Facebook page)
A morality play written by Frank G. Rivera, Tao: Isang Tagulaylay puts to light the virtues and vices of man throughout his journey of existence, leading to his death. According to Sr. Lilia Therese Tolentino, SPC, University President, the choice of play is noteworthy inasmuch as it was inspired by a 1970 play Tao, written by a Paulinian alumna Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, which was also adapted from the medieval English play The Summoning of Everyman.
It has been traditional for theater production classes in the university to stage musical plays because of the university’s history as the “Broadway of Herran”, particularly in the 60s. That Tao: Isang Tagulaylay is this year’s material is brave and groundbreaking. This is one of the few attempts to mount local plays, especially one that prides not of its production value but of its thematic importance.
Having been part of a number of theater productions, I know of the grueling undertakings this project had to endure. As the newly appointed Vice President for Academic Services, Sr. Evangeline Anastacio, SPC, puts it: “It is an opportunity to hone talents and skills; yes, but it is also an occasion to heighten students’ appreciation for culture, the arts, and the finer things in life, to expand their understanding of reality, to deepen their sense of social responsibility, and to strenghten their consciousness of a personal set of values.”
Kudos to the production staff, crew, and cast of Tao: Isang Tagulaylay. I sure hope for a repeat performance. •
^ My Ates and Nanay (Photo by Rachelle Mejia)
(Photos by Sam Manuel; more available via Facebook page)
A morality play written by Frank G. Rivera, Tao: Isang Tagulaylay puts to light the virtues and vices of man throughout his journey of existence, leading to his death. According to Sr. Lilia Therese Tolentino, SPC, University President, the choice of play is noteworthy inasmuch as it was inspired by a 1970 play Tao, written by a Paulinian alumna Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, which was also adapted from the medieval English play The Summoning of Everyman.
It has been traditional for theater production classes in the university to stage musical plays because of the university’s history as the “Broadway of Herran”, particularly in the 60s. That Tao: Isang Tagulaylay is this year’s material is brave and groundbreaking. This is one of the few attempts to mount local plays, especially one that prides not of its production value but of its thematic importance.
Having been part of a number of theater productions, I know of the grueling undertakings this project had to endure. As the newly appointed Vice President for Academic Services, Sr. Evangeline Anastacio, SPC, puts it: “It is an opportunity to hone talents and skills; yes, but it is also an occasion to heighten students’ appreciation for culture, the arts, and the finer things in life, to expand their understanding of reality, to deepen their sense of social responsibility, and to strenghten their consciousness of a personal set of values.”
Kudos to the production staff, crew, and cast of Tao: Isang Tagulaylay. I sure hope for a repeat performance. •
^ My Ates and Nanay (Photo by Rachelle Mejia)