TP Cancels WALANG SUGAT Opening Due to Flooding in Manila

Co-written by Precious Lee Cundangan

Manila, Philippines, August 7, 2012 ­- Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), cancels the opening weekend of its production of Severino Reyes' sarsuwela "Walang Sugat" due to flooding in Metro Manila.  

"… we wish to inform our valued subscribers, patrons, guests, and ticket holders of 'Walang Sugat' that we are cancelling the 3 p.m. and  8 p.m. opening performances of 'Walang Sugat' on Thursday, August 9 and the rest of the performances this weekend, Friday, August 10 to Sunday, August 12. We will, instead, open next week, Thursday, August 16," said Nanding Josef, TP's artistic director, and Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, the show's director, in a media advisory.

"We also wish to inform the public that we are accepting donations -  in cash or in kind - for the flood victims before and after the performances. We also plan to do a special fundraising performance of 'Walang Sugat' for the same cause.  TP commits itself not only to the promotion of the Filipino Artist's craft, but also to community service and crisis assistance," they added.

"Walang Sugat" tells the love story of Julia and Tenyong whose forbidden relationship had been further hampered by their social status, political, and religious beliefs during the height of the Philippine revolutionary movement against the Spanish colonizers in 1896-1898.

Its libretto was originally penned by Reyes, a forerunner of Philippine sarsuwela (Reyes is also popularly known for his short stories-turned-classic children's book "Lola Basyang").

For this production of "Walang Sugat," TP makes use of Reyes' original script with additional lines by Nick Tiongson, a leading Filipino critic. Fulgencio Tolentino, Constancio de Guzman, and Mike Velarde composed its poetic, haunting but sometimes naughty musical strains - a familiar dichotomy between arias and recitatives.

Chino Toledo, whose additional music is also featured in this production, is musical director; Nonoy Froilan is choreographer; Tuxqs Rutaquio is set designer; James Reyes of Slims Fashion and Arts School is costume designer; and Katsch Catoy is lighting designer.

The show stars Cris Villonco as Julia, and Noel Rayos and Antonio Ferrer as Tenyong.

Tickets to the opening weekend performances will be valid either on new performance dates or on preferred performance dates of the ticket holder, subject to availability of seats.

Ticket holders may contact Cherry Bong Edralin at 639177500107, Lei Celestino at 639156072275, and Enzo Marco at 69353784781 or the TP office at (632) 8321125 locals 1620 or 1621.

Oliver is about to earn his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication from New York University while serving as regional editor for BroadwayWorld.com. Over the past 18 years, Oliver has been handling public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands (including Pepsi), Broadway shows, Broadway stars, non-profit organizations, and mainstream celebrities. He also teaches public relations at De La Salle University-Manila. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros

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