Review: BATANG MUJAHIDEEN Starts the Conversation That Matters

Manila, Philippines - Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) stages Malou Jacob's Batang Mujahideen as part of its 33rd season, titled "Makidigma." According to TP Artistic Director Nanding Josef, the group has had the piece for years, unable to include it in its season lineup until now.

Batang Mujahideen is a play about the relationship between Muslims and Christians in Mindanao and how it makes a lasting impact on the youth. It revolves around Fatima, a Yakan girl who disguises as a boy and is trained to be a mujahideen (guerilla fighter). The story brings light to so many issues such as Yakan indigenous peoples, war, and children's exposure to violence, interwoven with the Abu Sayaff kidnapping at Sumisip, Basilan, almost 20 years ago.

The production is a visual treat, especially with the lighting and projection, adding to the rich storytelling. The lighting design (D Cortezano) skillfully supplements the rhythm of the action on stage, and the projection design (Joyce Garcia) does an excellent job of developing the environment and atmosphere. The production design (Marco Viaña and Paw Castillo) is outstanding, too, with the set helping establish both power and physical environment with the use of different levels.

Director Guelan Luarca's inspired idea of using puppets instead of child actors is both incredibly creative and smart. The directorial choice makes the play more impactful. The puppetry and the drawings all over the set drive the point of the play home, emphasizing that it is the children that are the most vulnerable when it comes to wartime. Even though the material was written years ago, it's still relevant today as child soldiers all over the world continue to be used and targeted.

The play has a very talented cast composed of members of the TP Actors Company and one guest actor. The entire cast shows remarkable skill, and it's great how the production had a small, intimate cast where each actor is maximized as much as possible, playing multiple roles. Among them are Lhorvie Nuevo and Monique Nellas, who deliver such memorable performances that leave a mark on the audiences.

The staging and collaborative storytelling are done by such capable actors and storytellers, making Batang Mujahideen a vital show to see. It's essential for audiences to be exposed to plays such as this one because it starts the conversation on matters of great importance. Stories about Mindanao are too often ignored by people driven by discrimination. This piece of experimental theater is worth watching, showing just how good it can be when well-executed.

Batang Mujahideen plays at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) now through 8 March 2020.

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Photos: Tanghalang Pilipino

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