Clarion Chamber Ensemble presents eclectic music feast at the CCP

October 3, 2013, 8:00 PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Dino Decena, violin

Renato Lucas, cello

Hyun Joo Lee, piano

David Jerome Johnson, flute

Reynato Resurreccion, oboe

Ariel Sta. Ana, clarinet

Noel Singcuenco, bassoon

Jay-Ar Mesa, horn

Rommel Cruz, double bass

Programme:

Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Trio No. 5 in D major, Op. 70 No. 1 Ghost

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich Divertimento

Astor Piazzolla Tango Seis

August Klughardt Wind Quintet in C major, Op. 79

The Clarion Chamber Ensemble takes on rarely played chamber music in a concert entitled An Eclectic Chamber Music Feast happening this October 3, 2013, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

This concert will feature the eight core members of the ensemble namely violinist Dino Decena, cellist Renato Lucas, Cello, pianist Hyun Joo Lee, flutist David Jerome Johnson, oboist Reynato Resurreccion, clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana, bassoonist Noel Singcuenco, and horn player Jay-Ar Mesa. Double bassist Rommel Cruz will be joining the ensemble for this evening.

The works to be played in this concert are Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Trio No. 5 in D major, Op. 70 No. 1, Ghost (piano, violin and cello), Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Divertimento (flute, clarinet, violin and cello), Asor Piazzolla’s Tango Seis (violin, piano, flute, clarinet, horn, bassoon and double bass) and August Klughardt’s Wind Quintet in C major, Op. 79 (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon).

An Eclectic Chamber Music Feast is a production by Clarion Chamber Ensemble and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and co-presented by 98.7 DZFE The Masters Touch. 

The Clarion Chamber Ensemble was formed by flutist David Jerome Johnson with pianist Hyun Joo Lee in December 2001. Members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the old San Miguel Orchestra joined the two founders to create a core group of nine ensemble members. Other local and international musicians collaborate with the ensemble as the music demands. The strength of the Ensemble lies in the diversity and flexibility of instrumental combinations and repertoire that embraces 18th to 21st century works.

Ticket prices:

P700 Orchestra Center

P500 Orchestra Side

For inquiries:

Clarion Chamber Ensemble 890-8840

CCP Box Office 832-3704

PPO I: Opening Night: Guzman & The Pathétique

Flutist Viviana Guzman

Featuring:

Viviana Guzman, flute

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Olivier Ochanine, conductor

Programme:

Paul Dukas Fanfare from La Péri

Franz Liszt Les Préludes

Antonio Vivaldi  Flute Concerto in D major, Op. 10, No. 3, RV 428  Il Gardellino

Viviana Guzman Flutes of the World

Vittorio Monti Czardas

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, Pathétique

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s 31st season, dubbed as Classic Blend, formally opened with a concert held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). The concert, billed as Opening Night: Guzman & The Pathétique featured a nice blend of music performed by the orchestra led by its music director and principal conductor Olivier Ochanine and various flutes as well courtesy of the evening’s guest artist Viviana Guzman.

The concert started with Paul Dukas’ Fanfare from La Péri, which is a one act ballet. This piece only featured the brass section which had me a bit nervous considering how spotty this section had been in previous performances. But in a pleasant surprise, they managed to get through this short piece quite well. The PPO then performed Franz Liszt’s Les Préludes, a piece that I’ve heard twice before but then forgotten soon after. I fear that the PPO’s performance of this piece would be relegated to that department as well. I think that I’ve yet to figure out how to appreciate Liszt’s symphonic poems a lot more. And it didn’t help that around this time, I was already looking forward for Viviana Guzman to come on stage and finally perform.

Conductor Olivier Ochanine

Viviana started with the Flute Concerto in D major, Op. 10, No. 3, RV 428, Il Gardellino by Antonio Vivaldi. I am not usually too keen on Vivaldi’s music (or Baroque music for that matter) but having an actual harpsichord for this performance had me glued throughout the performance. It was nice hearing the duets between the flute and solo strings which was done delicately.

It was during the Flutes of the World section when things got really interesting. In this portion, Viviana introduced various flutes (Native American Indian flute, Swiss Gemshorn, Hungarian Fuvola, Chinese Ditzi, Chilean Zampona, Irish Tin Whistle and the Philippine Nose Flute) that she has acquired through her numerous travels and played short pieces with them while being accompanied by members of the PPO’s percussion section. Her winning personality shone through and by the end of this section, she already had the audience at the palm of her hand. This bode very well for her last piece, Vittorio Monti’s Czardas which was the showcase that everybody was waiting for. But the audience couldn’t get enough of her so she had to perform two encores. First was the short tango Milonga de Mis Amores by Pedro Laurenz. And her second encore that brought down the house was the third movement of Three Beats for Beatbox Flute by Greg Pattillo. Like what the title said, Viviana did some beatboxing while playing the flute. It still amazes me up to this day to think about the range and variety of her repertoire, from Vivaldi to beatboxing, that she presented during the concert.

Olivier Ochanine, Viviana Guzman and Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga

The second half of the concert consisted of the hauntingly beautiful Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, Pathétique by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. A highly personal work for Tchaikovsky, this symphony is more somber in mood, often exploring the depths of despair mirroring the torment that the composer has endured in his life. He titled this piece a Program Symphony but never wrote whatever this program was and took it with him in his grave. This piece also had an unusual quiet ending. One might think that the triumphant march of the third movement sounded like the more proper finale but Tchaikovsky thought otherwise. Adding more to the mystery surrounding this piece was Tchaikovsky’s death just a few weeks after this premiered. One suggested that this symphony was actually his suicide note and that his cause of death was not cholera but by poisoning himself. Even without these stories surrounding the piece, the symphony is still a masterpiece despite not being immediately acclaimed during Tchaikovsky’s time. There had been attempts to play this symphony with the last two movements flipped so that it would have the typical climactic end. I am so pleased that Olivier Ochanine and the PPO stuck with the original order which is essential in retaining the character of the work. 

MCO Foundation Young Artists Series 2013: Jeline Oliva

Violinist Jeline Oliva

Featuring:

Maria Jelina Llorin Oliva, violin

Mary Anne Espina, piano

Programme:

Tomaso Vitali Chaconne in G minor

Ludwig van Beethoven Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 Spring

Ernesto Vallejo Habanera Filipina No. 2

Angel Peña Philippine Serenade

Potenciano Gregorio Sr. Sarung Banggi

Niccolò Paganini Caprice No. 20 in D major

Camille Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28 

Pablo de Sarasate Introduction et Tarantelle, Op.43

Violinist Jeline Oliva showed not just tremendous growth and maturity but also grace under pressure when she opened the MCO Foundation’s Young Artists Series 2013 at the Ayala Museum. Jeline played on the violin accompanied by pianist Mary Anne Espina a bunch of difficult pieces that would’ve given college level music students a difficult time.

It had been over a year since I last saw Jeline perform on stage so I was really curious to see how much she has grown since then. I noticed right away during her opening piece, Tomaso Vitali’s Chaconne in G minor that she has developed more presence on stage. If she had butterflies prior to her concert, then no one in the audience knew. After this, she performed Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Opus 24 or more popularly known as Spring. I think that the lightness and freshness of this piece was a good fit for a young violinist such as Jeline. In a normal recital/concert, this piece would’ve been the finale piece but this was how she just ended up the first half.

The second half had Jeline playing pieces by Filipino composers that weren’t included in the earlier version of the programme: Ernesto Vallejo’s Habanera Filipina No. 2, Angel Peña’s Philippine Serenade and Potenciano Gregorio Sr.’s Sarung Banggi giving the concert a much welcomed local flavor. And then it was time for Jeline to be on her own when she performed Niccolò Paganini’s Caprice No. 20 in D major. For most members of the audience, Jeline’s final two pieces were the most highly anticipated of the evening: Camille Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28 and Pablo de Sarasate’s Introduction et Tarantelle, Op.43. Jeline was going through the Saint-Saëns well until she entered the capriccioso in which her shoulder rest slipped from her violin. But she showed calmness and great presence of mind, and quickly put the shoulder rest back into place without letting panic get in her way. And she was able to recover quickly from this very brief interruption and resumed playing like it never happened at all. But I had to note that it was during these two pieces also when I noticed signs that she was getting tired and weary. It was understandably so because she ended up performing for around two hours which is quite long for a concert that is supposed to be featuring young artists who are still on the rise.

One cannot deny that Jeline has improved tremendously since her Pilipinas Got Talent days. I just wish to see her play pieces that are lighter and fun, featuring less drama and tension, so that she can remind everyone that despite being a music prodigy, she is still a teenager.

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde bids farewell to Medora in Le Corsaire

October 4, 2013, 7:30 PM

October 5, 2013, 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM

October 6, 2013, 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM

Aliw Theater

CCP Complex, Pasay City

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde continues her Swan Song Series as Ballet Manila stages Le Corsaire this October 4-6, 2013, 7:30 PM at the Aliw Theater.

This ballet features pirates, exotic locales, damsels in distress, enchanting music by Adolphe Adam along with a bunch of others who are also credited for composing the music and explosive dancing. In this production, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde bids farewell to the role of Medora.

Performances on October 4, 2013, 7:30 PM and October 6, 2013, 3:00 PM will feature live accompaniment by the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of guest conductor Alexander Vikulov of the Mariinsky Theater.

One of the highlights to watch out for in this ballet is the popular pas de trois featuring Conrad the pirate, Medora, and the slave Ali. But my favorite part in Le Corsaire has got to be the bedroom pas de deux of Conrad and Medora which brings chills to my spine.

Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire is presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company and Star City. It is also made possible by First United Travel, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, Island Rose, Pride Powder and SEAIR.

Ticket price:

P600

For inquiries:

Ballet Manila 400-0292, 525-5967

TicketWorld 891-9999

Cine Europa 16

The Shang Cineplex was once again the source of quality foreign films as it hosted Cine Europa which was celebrating its 16^th year. Once again, I found myself among the guests, including members of the diplomatic corps from various participating European Union nations and notable people from the business and the arts/culture scene, who took part at the opening night cocktail reception held at the Shangri-La Plaza Atrium.

A toast to Cine Europa's Sweet 16

We were once again treated by music from a string quartet composed of Kim Mirandilla-Ng, Maria Lourdes Miguel, Vanessa Celemente and Angelita Moris who played movie tunes and music originating from the European Union member nations. Tenor Nic Norman Tugaff serenaded the crowd with a selection of famous operatic arias while a couple of mimes who roamed around the cocktail area proved to be very popular among the phone camera wielding guests. But I do hope that the entertainment for next year’s opening will be different for a change.

Kim Mirandilla-Ng, Maria Lourdes Miguel, Vanessa Celemente
and Angelita Moris

En Kongelig Affære/A Royal Affair

The film screened during the opening was the historical drama En Kongelig Affære/A Royal Affair from Denmark. This film directed by Nikolaj Arcel was based on true events from Danish history during the 18^th century when young Caroline Matilda of Great Britain (Alicia Vikander) was married off to the mentally unstable King Christian VII of Denmark (Mikkel Følsgaard). No love sprung out of this marriage and the queen eventually entered into a secret affair with the king’s physician and eventual adviser, the German Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen).

The affair between the young Queen and Struensee, both freethinkers, also brought forth liberal changes in the kingdom but that didn’t sit well with the King’s stepmother who also had ambitions of her own. She and the other disgruntled members of the royal court conspired to overthrow Struensee’s influence on the King and exposing the Queen’s affair was the perfect way to do it.

It amazed me that this happened at the time when monarchs ruled their domains absolutely and that their personal affairs could affect the course of the whole nation. And this was no exception. En Kongelig Affære/A Royal Affair is just one of those films wherein I would want to dive into history books right after watching to know more about the characters and the events surrounding that era.

Cine Europa 16 goes to the Ayala Center in Cebu this October 4-6, 2013, and then to Liceo de Cagayan University on October 10-13, 2013 and finally at the Cinematheque in Davao on October 15-20, 2013. This film event is organised by the European Union Cultural Group in Manila which gathers together the Embassies and Cultural Institutes of the European Union (Representations in Manila including the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Slovak Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and the European cultural institutes (Alliance Française, British Council, Goethe-Institut, Philippine-Italian Association, and Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Independent Film Cooperative, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Arts Council of Cebu and Liceo de Cagayan de Oro. Porsche Design supports Cine Europa 16.

Ibalong The 2nd Run Gala Night

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Ibalong returned to the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) stage, giving more people the chance to experience for themselves this epic musical which was the company’s hit from their previous season. I was also able to experience again this musical adapted by Rody Vera from a Bicolano epic fragment. Read my thoughts from the previous run here.

Remus Villanueva

Seeing Ibalong for the second time made me notice things that I wasn’t able to take note during my first time seeing it. First of all, it was nice to be able to see Remus Villanueva in the role of Handyong this time around. He brought a different take to the role with his physically imposing presence and a singing voice that also acted the part. I anticipated very much the emotional highlight for his character at the second act wherein he sings a cappella. As always, it delighted me to see the alternate actor whenever I get another chance to see a play or musical since it gives me a new insight and perspective to the character.

Cheeno Macaraig

Cheeno Macaraig, who portrayed the young Handyong displayed once again why he is one of the best movers/dancers in the whole cast. I couldn’t help but think that the adult Handyong somehow tightened up as he got older since Cheeno was full of spring, very flexible and nimble in his role. And Remus and Myke Salomon weren’t able to match the physical prowess of Cheeno.

Trixie Esteban

I also noticed that the fight scene between Cheeno and Jenine Desiderio’s Oryol was now smoother and fluid, and less telegraphed. Before, Oryol was already in the defense even before Handyong was ready to strike but there was almost none of that in this run. Again, Jenine was sultry and seductive as the half-snake Oryol. She was able to establish herself clearly as the seasoned and experienced creature next to a much younger Handyong in Remus. Also, May Bayot was finally in her element this time and didn’t struggle at all in her songs that required her to do those tricky shifts in registers. I remember noticing that she was not in her best form during the first time that I saw this musical.

Nicolo Magno

Lastly, I was able to pick out the subtle changes in the arrangement of the music of the Ibalong main theme. During the musical’s first half, the arrangement used a lot more ethnic instruments and the sound was more tribal, organic and explosive. During the second half’s reprise of this main theme, the arrangement now was more electronic, polished, urban and catering more to popular and mainstream tastes. I felt as if the music composed by Carol Bello also reflected the loss of wilderness as the land became more tamed and civilized.

Red Nuestro

It was also interesting to see the new faces of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company in this production as part of the ensemble. Probably my only regret in this run of Ibalong was that I wasn't able to see Delphine Buencamino as Oryol. It would've been very interesting to see how her take on that role would be.

Tangahalang Pilipino Actors Company

Before going back to the CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino had Ibalong on tour and they were able to stage it in Legazpi during the city’s Ibalong festival. TP’s artistic director Nanding Josef was proud to say that it was received warmly. It would not surprise me at all if Ibalong will be brought on tour once again and be one of the staples in Tanghalang Pilipino’s repertoire.

Philippine Ballet Theatre's Le Corsaire

Jared Tan

I never expected that hanging out at the Cultural Center of the Philippines will find me going to exotic places, seeing swashbuckling pirates and getting awed by amazing dancing courtesy of the repeat Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Le Corsaire held at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). The performance that I saw was actually a repeat of a previous run last April. The ballet, despite its obscurity, proved to be popular enough to warrant a repeat run. And I am extremely pleased to be able to catch it although I didn’t really plan on doing so.

Regine Magbitang

Lemuel Capa

Because of this unplanned trip to the ballet, I was able to discover a great talent by the name of Jared Tan. He used to be a principal soloist of the Philippine Ballet Theatre but has been part of the Atlanta Ballet for the past few seasons. And for this production, he returns to his previous company as a guest portraying the role of the slave Ali. Jared’s Ali was submissive and reserved befitting a slave but this demeanor belied his dancing capabilities. I never felt nervous whenever I saw him do his difficult moves because he looked so secure in his technique. I was impressed by the height of his jumps that seemed to last forever. And his strength was incredible as well especially when he raised one leg in the middle of executing a lift making that move a lot more difficult than it was. Jared’s manner as Ali was so totally different to the other male leads namely Lemuel Capa as dashing pirate Conrad, Mark Pineda as the traitorous Birbanto and Rolby Lacaba as the slave trader Lanquedem who were all brash and cocky. Other featured dancers in this ballet were Lobreza Pimentel as Gulnare and Regine Magbitang as Medora, women who were kidnapped and eventually sold as slaves at a public market. This ballet was restaged by Ronilo Jaynario from the original choreography by Frances Le Comb.

Lobreza Pimentel

Mark Pineda

The dancing, the sets, the costumes were great although I wish that there could’ve been a live orchestra that accompanied the production like their Romeo and Juliet about a couple of years ago which I’ve unfortunately missed. It would've made the music by Adolphe Adam (among others who are credited for composing the music for this ballet) really shine especially during the bedroom pas de deux. I still find it amusing how absurd the plot of this ballet with all the kidnapping, slave trading and finding romance in the midst of it all. I think that the dazzling choreography and dazzling visuals was the main selling point of this ballet instead of the silly plot.

Philippine Ballet Theatre Company Members

While the ballet’s plot may seem ridiculous, there’s nothing of that sort with the beneficiary of the performance during that night which was the Visayan Forum Fondation. The organization aims to rescue and help women who are victims of human trafficking. A brief presentation was held at the Little Theater Lobby to make the guests aware of the foundation’s projects. And a preview of The Fighters, a CNN documentary was shown as well. It was easy for me to shake my head in disbelief to the convoluted (and unbelievable) plot of Le Corsaire. But the real life plight of the victims of human trafficking is no laughing matter and one should take action in order to rescue them and persecute those who are responsible for the atrocity.

Spanish actress Alejandra Lorente leads guests at the 12th Spanish Film Festival

Alejandra Lorente

Spanish actress Alejandra Lorente leads the roster of special guests at the highly anticipated Película-Pelikula, the 12^th Spanish Film Festival, happening on October 3-13, 2013 at the Greenbelt 3 Cinemas. Joining her are Argentinean director Gabriel Nesci and directors from Zamboanga. All of them will be on hand to present their respective films among the more than 20 movies included in the line-up for this festival showcasing the best of contemporary Spanish and Latin American cinema.

Aquel no era yo/That Wasn't Me

Alejandra Lorente will present her short film Aquelno era yo (That Wasn't Me) showing on October 3, 2013, 7:00 PM which will be followed by an open forum. I was able to see this film directed by Esteban Crespo during the press conference that was held recently. In the movie, Alejandra plays the role of Paula, a Spanish aid worker who goes to an African country in order to rescue children soldiers and rehabilitate them. But events at the border end up turning for the worst as she, along with her partner Juanjo (Gustavo Salmerón), got caught up in the conflict. This is not a feel good film at all and the sight of the children armed with rifles and being brainwashed into revolutionary soldiers is downright disturbing. But the film prevents in making itself in becoming a totally depressing experience by offering a glimpse of redemption towards the end. In a world where the threat of war looms, this film is very relevant and I am curious to see and hear how the open forum after the screening will go.

Carlos Palomo, Jose Miguel Dela Rosa, Ambassador Jorge Domecq
and José María Fons Guardiola

Agrentinean director Gabriel Nesci will be presenting his film Días de vinilo during the Noche del cine argentino happening on October 7, 2013, 7:00 PM which is organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Argentina. Nesci will also have a cinema workshop at the School of Design and Arts, of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Filipino cinema will also have the spotlight during this festival through director Raya Martin’s La última película which he will be presenting when it screens on October 9, 2013 at 7:00 PM. Debuting this year is the Noche chabacana happening on October 9, 2013, showing the best of Chabacano films in recent years. These films will be presented by their directors who will be coming from Zamboanga. The inclusion of Filipino films in this festival is made possible by the collaboration of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the city government of Zamboanga and the Spanish Program for Cultural Cooperation (SPCC).

Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq

Another notable film in this year’s line-up is Blancanieves which won 10 awards including Best Film at the 27th Goya Awards. Other films included in the festival are the comedy Promoción fantasma, the drama El artista y la modelo and the documentary Colgados de un sueño which is a film about the time when painter Fernando Zobel was in Spain.

A non-film related highlight of the festival is the performance of Sacude, a Spanish company of vertical dance happening on October 11, 2013, 8:00 PM at the Fashion Walk of Greenbelt 5.

Película-Pelikula, the 12^th Spanish Film Festival is presented by the Embassy of Spain–AECID, Instituto Cervantes, Ayala Cinemas, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Manila Contemporary. The event is made possible by Greenbelt, San Miguel Corporation, Qatar Airways, the Embassy of Argentina, in collaboration with Maersk Global Service Centers, Cemex, Emperador Distillers, the City Government of Zamboanga, Ayala Museum, the SPCC. And with special thanks to Centunion Philippines, Ayala Land Premier, Tyler, Alba’s Restaurante Español, Espa-Fil and Intercontinental Manila.

For inquiries:
Instituto Cervantes 526-1482 

Soprano Myramae Meneses in MCO Foundation concert

October 2, 2013, 7:00 PM

Ayala Museum 

Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street

Greenbelt Park, Makati

Featuring:

Myramae Meneses, soprano

Mary Anne Espina, piano

The MCO Foundation presents soprano Myramae Meneses in its latest installment of their Young Artists Series 2013 happening this October 2, 2013, 7:00 PM at the Ayala Museum. An Aliw Award nominee and the 2012 National Music Competition for Young Artists 1st Prize winner, Myramae will be performing works by Giaccomo Puccini, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Strauss and Giuseppe Verdi. She will be accompanied by pianist Mary Anne Espina.

Soprano Myramae Meneses

A fifth year music student at the St. Scholastica’s College and a Battig Music Foundation Scholar, Myramae is also a pianist and a violinist. She trained under the PREDIS Program for the strings before concentrating on voice under the tutelage of Camille Lopez-Molina, one of the leading sopranos in the country today.

Myramae has starred in various opera productions like in Dulaang UP’s Noli Me Tangere: The Opera as Maria Clara. This led her to be nominated for an Aliw Award for Most Outstanding Young Actress in a Musical. She has also appeared in Lyric Opera of the Philippines’ production of Carmen and in MusicArtes, Inc.’s production of Madame Butterfly.

MCO Foundation's Young Artists Series 2013 is made possible through a special partnership with Ayala Museum, together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, BusinessWorld, Lyric Piano and Organ, DZFE.FM 98.7 The Master's Touch, Her Word, Highlife, Development Bank of the Philippines, Sheaffer Fine Pens, and National Bookstore.

Ticket prices:

P800 Center

P500 Side

For inquiries:

MCO Secretariat at 750-0768, (0920) 954-0053

COEA 782-7164 or (0918) 347-3027

TicketWorld 891-9999

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Der Kaufmann puts dark twist in Merchant of Venice

BREAKING NEWS: To all our dear friends, patrons, ticket buyers and guests, 

Due to inclement weather, please be advised that Tanghalang Pilipino officials have decided to cancel the 3pm and 8pm performances of DER KAUFMANN (The Merchant of Venice) today, October 12, 2013 at the CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute. The tickets for today will be honored next Saturday, October 19, 2013 for the 3pm and 8pm special performances.

The 3pm show tomorrow, Sunday, October 13, 2013 will push through.

For those who failed to buy tickets for the remaining shows, please watch out for the announcement on the possible extension of the performances of DER KAUFMANN.

Maraming salamat sa lahat ng inyong suporta. (Thank you very much for all your support)

Nanding Josef, TP artistic director.

September 27, 2013, 8:00 PM

September 28, 2013, 3:00 PM

September 29, 2013, 3:00 PM

October 4, 2013, 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM

October 5, 2013, 10:00 AM, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

October 6, 2013, 3:00 PM

October 11, 2013, 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM

October 12, 2013, 3:00 & 8:00 PM Cancelled

October 13, 2013, 3:00 PM

October 19, 2013, 3:00 & 8:00 PM Special Performances

Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Tanghalang Pilipino presents its first straight play of their 27^th Season MensaHEROs with Der Kaufmann, a dark retelling of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice running from September 27 up to October 13, 2013 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater).

Regina de Vera

Using the Filipino translation by National Artist Rolando Tinio, the play featuring the famous monologues by Shylock and Portia will be set during the Nazi regime, specifically during the holocaust. Now a play within a play, with the Nazis directing reluctant Jewish actors, this retelling aims to put into the forefront the harsh effects of hate, racism and intolerance for the contemporary audience.

Trixie Esteban and Racquel Pareño

During a press conference for this production, I couldn’t help but think of the novel Jud Süß by Lion Feuchtwanger which is about the Jewish dissident Joseph Süß Oppenheimer whose daughter’s murder led him towards repentance and spiritual rebirth. The same novel was turned by Nazi Propaganda Minister Josef Goebbels into an anti-Semitic propaganda film by portraying the Jews as wicked and Germans pure. The lead character’s redemption was omitted completely and the story overhauled in order to propagate more hatred towards the Jews. This spin doctoring of a work of literature that has happened in actual history made me really curious to see how directors Rody Vera and Tuxqs Rutaquio will put their spin on Der Kaufmann.

The cast of Der Kaufmann

Der Kaufmann stars TP’s Actors Company members, apprentices and scholars that include Jonathan Tadioan, Regina de Vera and Marco Viaña among others. They are joined by guest artists Tuxqs Rutaquio, Lou Veloso, Tracy Quila and Trixie Esteban.

Ticket price:

P600

-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

For inquiries:

Cherry Bong (0917) 750-0107

Lei (0908) 894-1384

Enzo (0935) 378-4781

CCP Box Office 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999