Photos by Hannah Louise Pascua; Text by Hannah Louise Pascua and Art+ Staff
The Cast and creative staff of Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) could not have been more overwhelmed by the standing ovation they received from the audience at the opening night of Coriolano on the 22nd of February.
Coriolano is a Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s lesser known tragedy-plays titled “Coriolanus”, translated by Guelan Varela-Luarca. The story revolves around a complex hero, Cayo Marcio, following his journey against his long time enemy Tulo Aufidio, a battle between the Plebians (common people), as well as with himself.
Coriolano (Cayo Marcio) played by Marco Viaña, is a skillful soldier who lacks a good consul. His skills are dethroned by his lack of self-control and narcissistic mindset. Because of this, his subordinates hold grudge towards him which resulted to his downfall. The audience were hooked by the story’s parallelism to the country’s tumultuous political situation. Corialano effectively calls to mind our current state of affairs by showing rampant discrimination between different social classes and tyrannical form of governance.
Renowned director Carlos Siguion-Reyna approached this classic play with a contemporary perspective. This also matches with the set design, costumes, and the professionalism of the senior actors who have been with the Tanghalang Pilipino for the longest time.
Other cast includes Brian Sy (Tulo Aufidio), Sherry Lara (Volumnia) alternating with Frances Makil-Ignacio, Jonathan Tadioan (Menenio Agripa), Kych Minemoto (Batang Marcio), JV Ibesate (Sicinio Veluto), Doray Dayao (Junio Bruto), Antonette Go (Virgilia), Aldo Vencilao (Cominio) and the ensemble.
Coriolano runs until March 17, 2019 at the CCP Little Theater. You may order your tickets at Ticketworld or contact Tanghalang Pilipino at (02) 832-1125 local 1621.
