In Pingkian, Living is the True Revolution
Tanghalang Pilipino's latest musical delves into Emilio Jacinto's legacy, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of the Philippine Revolution
Words Mika Geronimo
Photos Maricar Leyesa
March 4, 2024
"Pingkian: Isang Musikal" serves as Tanghalang Pilipino’s riveting season-ender for its 37th year in Filipino theater. Following the success of their enchanting rendition of the beloved children’s book "Sandosenang Sapatos," the company opened their new musical to a sold-out crowd on Friday, March 1 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Jimenez Blackbox Theater in Pasay City.
Elevating history into a creative and liberating medium, whether through film, television, or live theater, has been a noteworthy endeavor. These stories, known on paper and through the bloodshed of our ancestors, often face challenges in condensing profound yet complex messages within a short span of time.
"Pingkian" concentrates on the peak of action, caught between two chapters of colonization and war in the Philippines. Also the pen name of the young Filipino general Emilio Jacinto, gracefully played by Vic Robinson, Pingkian follows the titular character through vivid hallucinations and decisive encounters as he contemplates a hero’s death.
Guided by comrade and revolutionary icon Andres Bonifacio (Paw Castillo) and role model Jose Rizal (Kakki Teodoro), Jacinto embarks on an introspective journey to discover the true meaning and significance of revolution. The story unfolds masterfully, demonstrating a clear love for the craft and Philippine history.
Inspired by the work of National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, written by Juan Ekis, and composed by Ejay Yatco, "Pingkian" cleverly explores the promise of light, symbolizing freedom and progression, versus the strife of darkness plagued by theft and intrigue. This recurring theme is evident in both the plot and production.
The immersive projection draped on all four walls of the theater, courtesy of GA Fallarme, and the symbolic lighting designed by D Cortezano bring Jacinto and his internal qualms with the revolution to the foreground, adding depth to his written ideals as they remain relevant.
Just as the Katipuneros sought freedom with their progressive ideals, the artistic team and cast of "Pingkian" take risks in that very same spirit. These risks pay off, seen in the quiet yet spirited performance of Kakki Teodoro as Jose Rizal, and Gab Pangilinan’s back-to-back performances as both Jacinto’s wife Catalina de Jesus and his former ally Florencio Reyes.
Both echo a tenacity seen before, Teodoro’s in "Every Brilliant Thing" and Pangilinan’s in "The Last Five Years." It reflects the ethos of our fallen heroes’ legacy, where appearance and societal expectations are no longer barriers to playing the roles we wish to inhabit.
Audiences can expect to be captivated not only by "Pingkian’s" vocal powerhouse of a cast and its compelling music but, more importantly, by its message. In a time where spewing hatred and acting on mere judgment is more convenient, "Pingkian" teaches its audience that it is perhaps more revolutionary to love and strive to live long enough to do so.
While we no longer bear the burden of a nation’s emancipation on our backs like Emilio Jacinto did in the 1800s, there comes a time when we realize that holding onto any glimmer of hope is easier said than done. True bravery lies in sticking it out amidst loss and betrayal, regardless of the outcome of one’s story. Only then can revolution exist beyond a dream and become a reality.
"Pingkian" will run at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater) from March 1 to 24. Tickets are available at Ticketworld, Ticket2Me, Klook, and corresponding showbuyers.
