Photo Flash: First Look at ANG PAGLILITIS KAY MANG SERAPIO 50th-Anniversary Production

By: Oliver Oliveros Sep. 10, 2018

Photo Flash: First Look at ANG PAGLILITIS KAY MANG SERAPIO 50th-Anniversary Production Manila, Philippines--Theatre Titas and Duende Theatre, in partnership with Z Hostel and PLUD, present the 50th-anniversary production of Dr. Paul Dumol's ANG PAGLILITIS KAY MANG SERAPIO. Penned in 1968, Dumol's timeless masterpiece is considered to be the Philippines' first postmodern play. Juan Ekis directs this milestone production.

ANG PAGLILITIS KAY MANG SERAPIO sets the audience in a courtroom of beggars to watch a trial unfold. Today's defendant is an elderly beggar named Mang Serapio, who is accused of harboring a child, which affects the communal income of the association of beggars, the federaçion. As the trial pushes through, we see the flaws in the federaçion's judicial system, which may feel all too familiar.

With the intent on taking Dumol's vital message outside the confines of a traditional theatre, this production of ANG PAGLILITIS KAY MANG SERAPIO places the audience in the trial with the other beggars in an immersive theatrical experience.

Playing the titular character is Jacques Borlaza (Dulaang UP, Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Art Theater Manila, Tanghalang Pilipino, Repertory Philippines). Lian Silverio (Tanghalang Pilipino's Aurelio Sedisyoso, Egg Theater's Kung Paano Maghiwalay) and Ronilo Balbieran (Dulaang ROC's Ang Paglilitis kay Mang Serapio) will alternate as Unang Tagapagtanong, and Andrea Fe Padilla (Christopher de Leon's Lorenzo, Carlos Celdran's Livin' La Vida Imelda) will take on the role of Ikalawang Tagapagtanong. Japoy Eusebio Dones (Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas' Ang Panaginip ni Jose Rizal and CSB Taxi Theatre's Mulagat) will preside over the titular trial as Hukom.

Comprising the federaçion are Jigs Sumera (Nonon Padilla's Nuno Sa Punso: BFF, Duende Theatre's Twenty Questions), Siel Cleigh Evangelista (ViARE's Back to the Drawing Board, Dulaang ROC's Next Page), Seleen Simora (Dulaang ROC's Codename: Xander Returns & 20th Playfest), Roznel Destajo, Alyana Dalisay (Duende Theatre's Twenty Questions & Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga Bitter), Cyril Coronado (Dulaang ROC's Makbet and Ang Luha ni Tikboy), John Mari Bonifacio (Tanghalan Mandaluyong's Catsville), Angelo Galang (Tanghalang Sta. Ana's Ang Martir sa Golgota & UP Dulaang Laboratoryo's Cymbeline), and Mil Prado (ACACIA's Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga Bitter, Dulaang ROC's Ang Paglilitis kay Mang Serapio).

ANG PAGLILITIS KAY MANG SERAPIO plays at The Ruins, Poblacion, Makati City, now through September 16, 2018.

Buy tickets (P800-P900) from DIANDRA at (63)917 656 7293.

Photos: Gian Nicdao