Leo Rialp as Don Ramon.
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – In celebration of the National Artist for Theatre Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero’s birth centennial and to cap its 36th Season, Dulaang UP will present one of his most celebrated works, ‘The Forsaken House’ under the direction of multi-awarded theater icon Tony Mabesa.
Its plot is centered in the early 1940s. The Philippines is starting to gain more independence and power. It is opening its doors to new ideas. Its culture and tradition are diversifying. but notin Don Ramon’s household.
While many Filipino families of the time embrace change, Don Ramon obstinately maintains a severe hold on his family, specially his children. He forbids them from mingling with friends yet does not welcome the idea of entertaining visitors at home either. He distrusts their peers and dictates what they can and cannot do in life. Even if he has his children’s best interests at heart, his unyielding will to wield control over their lives spur a series of events that led him and his entire family spiraling uncontrollably towards an ominous fate. And such fate unfolds in unexpected and heartbreaking proportions. It was too late when Don Ramon realizes, much in King Lear fashion, that in his search for light, he ended up alone in the dark.
Theater veterans are also featured in the play (L-R): Ces Quesada as Tia Pelagia, Therese Carlos as Teresita, and Frances Makil-Ignacio as Tia Pelagia.
Philippine Theater luminaries such as Irma Adlawan, Tess Dumpit, Leo Rialp, Ces Quesada, Espie Tinio-Garcellano, Menggie Cobarrubiasand Joel Lamangan, together with the Dulaang UP ensemble and some of today’s young and versatile breed of theater actors topbill the latest production.
‘The Forsaken House’ will run from February 15 till March 4 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, UP Diliman. For inquiries, please contact Ms. Cherry Bong Edralin at
+639177500107 or the DUP Office at (632) 9261349.
