Photos and Video: First Look at Philippine Stagers Foundation's OBRA NI JUAN

PSF's latest play is titled "Obra ni Juan." It features the libretto by Vince Tañada ("Ako Si Ninoy," "Cory ng EDSA"), who also directs the production, and music by Pipo Cifra ("Maalaala Mo Kaya," "Katips: Ang Mga Bagong Katipunero").

In "Obra ni Juan," Luna's famous paintings such as the Spoliarium, The Parisian Life, and The Death of Cleopatra move, sing, and dance. It also touches on the multiple personality disorder of the great Filipino artist and his relationships with various historical figures such as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Marcelo Del Pilar, and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, and his wife, Paz Pardo de Tavera, whom he murdered.

Traversing a rather darker theme compared to its past offerings--which mostly cater to young high school and college students--PSF is breaking away from the mold it's been associated with in "Obra ni Juan." "We know our demographics--we always cater to the young, to the students. Kaya lang naisip ko, for the past 16 years, puro na comedy-romance, comedy-romance, plus spectacle, ang mga plays namin. Sabi ko, hawak na namin ang audience sa leeg, puede na kaming mag-offer ng mas malalim na content gaya nito," said Tañada at a press launch held at PSF's headquarters in Balic Balic, Manila.

Tañada talked more about his new play, "Kung nag-ignite ng rebolusyon ang 'Noli Me Tangere' at 'El Filibusterismo' ni Rizal, ipapakita sa play na nag-ignite din ng rebolusyon ang 'Spoliarium,' 'The Parisian Life,' at iba pang likha ni Luna because there is this so-called 'Luna Code.' This is not fictional. Tutoo na kumalat ang mga larawan ng 'Spoliarium' at ipinamahagi ito sa mga Katipunero--Andres Bonifacio explained to everyone kung ano ang representation ng bawat character sa painting.

"Expect a lot of montage in the play, at 'di chronological ang mga historical events in the play kase ang thoughts naman ng tao eh di naman chronological in the first place."

"Obra ni Juan" features Patrick Libao (Juan Luna 1), Vince Tañada (Juan Luna 2), Chin Ortega (Juan Luna 2), Johnrey Rivas (Jose Rizal), Jomar Bautista (Antonio Luna), Gerald Magallanes (Antonio Luna), Cindy Liper (Paz Pardo de Tavera), Vean Olmedo (Paz Pardo de Tavera, Ina), Rutchel Leonor (Nellie Boustead, Juliana Pardo de Tavera), Kenneth Sadsad (Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Juan Luna 1), Rotsen Etolle (Trinidad Pardo de Tavera), JP Lopez (Marcelo del Pilar), and Adelle Ibarrientos (Juliana Pardo de Tavera).

Rounding out the cast are Judyy Tolentino (Leonor Rivera), Chris Lim (Haring Alfonsus), OJ Bacor (Charles Kipping, Punong Majistrado), Zen Lizardo (Mrs. Boustead), Enzo Vilanaba (Andres Bonifacio, Jose Rizal), Carol Sarreal (Ina), Cedie Duller, Brent Martinez, Justine Seclon, Carl Vincent Adaron, Pearl Belen, Jeremiah Chan, Rich Bea Martin, Kiel Najera, Alyanna Andres, and Kier Posadas.

It also features the musical direction by Cifra, set design by PSF co-founder Jeffrey Ambrosio, choreography by Gerald Magallanes, lighting design by Art Gabrentina, and costume design by Emy Tañada.

Catch "Obra Ni Juan" at a school, theatre, or arena near you from this weekend until March next year. For tickets, call 0956 6690335 or visit TicketWorld.com.ph.

Photos: Vino Oriarte