BBC News Features Shakespearean Rap Musical in Filipino

Manila, Philippines, September 3, 2011 -- The Philippine Educational Theater Association's (PETA) cast and creative team behind its original Filipino musical, William, felt very honoured because BBC News, a 24-hour UK news and broadcast organization, recently featured its production.

"A theater group in the Philippines takes a modern twist on Shakespeare, re-working the classics into a modern rap musical. The aim is to help young people to understand the playwright. William shows real life problems encountered by real students when it comes to learning Shakespearean masterpieces," BBC News' Marek Pruszewicz reported.

Click HERE to watch the video.

William uses Filipino poetry, wordplay and lyricism expressed through rap songs. Stage actor and playwright, Ron Capinding, writes its book and lyrics. Music composer, Jeff Hernandez, writes its music that fuses various music types, for example, rock, soul, funk, RnB, hip hop and Flip top rap.

Directed by PETA Artistic Director Maribel Legarda, William features Ian Segarra (Erwin), Inno Martin, Anj Heruela (Estella), Joan Bugcat, John Moran (Richard), Nathan Nunag, Norbs Portales III (TJ), Rico del Rosario, J-mee Katanyag (Sofia), Hapster Constantino, Julia Enriquez, Anna Luna, Meann Espinosa (Ms. Lutgarda Martinez), Jojo Atienza, Timee Gorecho, Elmer Cruz, Cheeno Macaraig, Carlon Matobato and Justin Mactal.

The musical runs at the PETA Theatre Center every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of September at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are PhP 350 (regular) and PhP 500 (VIP). For inquiries and ticket reservations, call PETA Marketing & PR Office at (632) 725-6244 or (632) 410-0821, (63) 917-5765400 or email petatheater@gmail.com.

Photos by Jory Rivera

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