The final installment of
Gantimpala Theater's Four Classics, El Filibusterismo, will bring to
life the dark novel of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal under the direction of
Jomar Fleras.
El Filibusterismo narrates the return of the protagonist
of Noli Me Tangere, Crisostomo Ibarra, under the guise of the wealthy
jeweler named Don Simoun (Roeder Camañag).
Disillusioned by the abuses of
the friars and government leaders, Ibarra abandons his beliefs in order to
return to his hometown of San Diego and start a bloody revolution.
Now all grown up, Basilio
(Alfred Urieta/Christian Parado) is recruited by the scheming Simoun to aid him
in detonating a bomb at a social gathering to signal the beginning of the
revolt. However, Basilio warns his friend Isagani (Bluemark Rocess) of
the plot. Realizing that the woman he loves, Paulita Gomez (Lailanie Ann
Tejuco), is in the venue of the bombing, Isagani throws the bomb into the
river, averting the explosion and the revolution.
Simoun commits suicide by taking poison and finds a resting place in the
home of a priest, Father Florentino (Bodjie Pascua), who hears his last
confession and assures him that not all hope is lost. The priest, upon Simoun's
death commends the jewels into the sea. The jewels, once used to
bribe and corrupt people, would one day resurface to be used for a meaningful
purpose, prophesies Father Florentino.
Other stellar cast members are
Perry Dizon (Don Custodio/Tata Selo); Jorge Cabullo (Don Tiago/Ben Zayb); Perry
Escaño (Kabesang Tales); Kimberly Diaz (Juli); Lani Tapia (Dona
Victorina/Madre); Yutaka Yamakawa (Juanito Pelaez/Padre Irene); Bluemark Rocess (Isagani)
and Lailanie Anne Tejuco (Paulita Gomez); Jeffrey Camañag (Padre
Camorra); Ronald Concepcion (Padre Fernandez); and Billy Parjan (Padre
Salvi).
Soxie Topacio directs El
Filibusterismo. Perry Dizon serves as assistant director and Roobak Valle, as production
designer. Andy Villareal is the play's lighting designer. Andrew Alcona is
stage manager and Pamela Hundana is the production manager. Gantimpala Theater
artistic director is Tony S. Espejo.
Performances are scheduled for
November 4 (7 p.m., Concert at the Park Open Air Auditorium, Rizal Park,
Manila); November 9-11, 23 -24 (10 a.m. and 2 p.m., AFP Theater, Quezon City); and
November 16-17 (SM Southmall Cinema 6, Las Piñas City).
Call Gantimpala Theater at 899-5745 or 896-3503 for tickets or you may write to gantimpalaproduction@yahoo.com.ph