Disturbing Play THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Opens Tonight

Dulaang UP (DUP), a student theater organization at the University of the Philippines (UP), stages "The Duchess of Malfi," one of the most controversial and shocking Jacobean tragedies--written during the reign of King James I of England. The play opens tonight, September 11, at Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater at UP Diliman. DUP Founding Director and Professor Emeritus Tony Mabesa directs.

Originally published "The Tragedy of the Dutchesse of Malfy," the play is loosely based on the life of Duchess Giovanna d'Aragona as recounted by William Painter in "The Palace of Pleasure" (1567). The play starts as a love story, which spirals into a nightmarish tragedy filled with vengeance, greed and incest.

"The Duchess of Malfi"--Ang Dukesa ng Malfi in Tagalog--is set in the court of Malfi (Amalfi), Italy, where a recently widowed duchess outwits her scheming brothers by marrying her personal steward. As the said clandestine plot is revealed, a series of maddening events, such as corruption and abuse of power, ensues.

The play is written by John Webster; its Tagalog translation is written by Palanca Award-winning playwright Allan Palileo.

Besides Mabesa, the production's artistic team also includes Obie Award-winning production designer Clint Ramos (set design), Eric Pineda (costume design), Peter Alcedo Jr. (choreography), Meliton Roxas Jr. (lighting design) and Jethro Joaquin (sound design).

Banaue Miclat, Liza Dino and Adriana Agcaoili star as the Duchess.

Richard Cunanan, Neil Ryan Sese and George de Jesus play Bosola. Jacques Borlaza and Allan Palileo play the Duchess' twin brother, Ferdinand. Menggie Cobarrubias and Brian Tibayan alternate as the corrupt Cardinal.

"The Duchess of Malfi" runs from tonight, September 11 until Sunday, September 29. For tickets, contact Dulaang UP office at (632) 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840. Look for Camille Guevarra or Samanta Clarin.