Kanser on its 35th staging

My first immersion with Bulwagang Gantimpala was during my high school days when they were still based at the Metropolitan Theater when the place was still grand. Because of my fascination with the theater, I see the productions of Bulwagang Gatimpala not just a school requirement. I already seen Florante at Laura, Ibong Adarna, the tagalog version of Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, El Filibusterismo and Kanser better known as Noli Me Tangere the musical.

Photo used with permission of Bulwagang Gantimpala

I got to see Kanser again when my theater actress-cousin played Sisa for Bulwagang Gantimpala. I admit I got a new perspective of the production even though I've seen it. For its 35th staging, Kanser brought in many actors and had different directors ever since.

What makes Kanser demanding because of many patron high schools that continue to immersed the students not just in the story but also in theater. Not only that, the political situation now maybe different but the social problems in the society is still the same which makes Kanser still relevant in today's audience.

Written originally for Bulwagang Gatimpala by Jomar Fleras, music by Jed Balsamo with choreography of Paul Alexander Morales. I happen to hear Mr. Balsamo's work in a Mulan musical(not the Disney version) because my cousin was also part of that production.

Cast includes Michael Pangilinan and Jacob Benedicto alternating as Crisostomo Ibarra, Myramae Meneses as Maria Clara, Bodjie Pascua as Pilosopong Tasyo and a lot more. Kanser will be staged starting in September at AFP theater. For more updates about Bulwagang Gantimpala and their productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Siddhartha The Musical World Premiere

Buddhism is one of oldest religions. It's even older than Christian and Islam. Just like any religion and philosophy, Buddhism also has insights which is logically sound. It even has similarities with Christianity.

Ven. Master Yung Guang(Standing, left)

In popular culture, there is Hermann Hesse novel Siddhartha which is used as a textbook reference and the movie Little Buddha by Bernardo Bertolucci which stars Keanu Reeves as the title character of Prince Siddhartha before the enlightenment and a manga by Osamu Tezuka.

For eight years now, a musical production in Cebu depicting the life of the enlightened One and was brought to many tours in other countries and now will be shown in CCP for it's world premiere. Musical composer and director Jude Gitamondoc says it will be an entirely new production compared to the previous productions. It will cover from his birth to death and even after. It will be a new experience even to those who've seen it.

With main cast and production

The idea of making a musical started in Buddha's Light International Association in Cebu to promote Buddha's teaching through a theatrical production. Using the poetry of Ven, Master Hsin Yin and the composition of Jude Gitamondoc with the cast with different backgrounds auditioned, the stage was set.

Jude Gitamondoc add, the new production will add new songs and new characters fit for a CCP production. For actor Benjie Layos, the expectations for him to play the title role are very high. Even though he is not a Buddhist, he still lives up the principles so he can understand the part. Just like Benjie, the cast were reading Siddhartha's biography. The Buddhist monks are also involved in the production to make sure that everything's on track and accurate.

Benjie Layos as Siddhartha

Director Jude mentions that the purpose of the play is not to be preachy but to witness Siddhartha's journey that changed the course of history as we know it. Watch Siddhartha the musical on July 17 at CCP for 2 performances only. For more updates about Siddhartha the musical and more theatrical productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.