The NCOV-19 pandemic may have caused stage productions to prematurely close, but Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), has prepared a slew of programs on its temporary home – the digital platform, aptly billed “PansamanTANGHALAN,”
The program aims to defy the limitations brought about by this crisis and with the use of the online platform, to continuously educate and awaken the cultural consciousness of Filipinos, not just in the country, but all over the world.
“To say that this is a trying time for the industry would be an understatement. A lot of us are anxious on how this pandemic would usher in a new norm, but as artists, we have to soldier on and find ways to effectively reach our audience in dire need of inspiration,” says TP Artistic Director Nanding Josef. “So, I hope everyone will join us in our temporary home, our ‘PansamanTANGHALAN,’ the digital world.”
In partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, “PansamanTANGHALAN” will present Virgin Labfest (VLF) 14’s “Mga Eksena sa Buhay ng Kontrabida” this April 22, Wednesday, 3 p.m. It stars TP Actors Company Senior Member JV Ibesate with Jay Gonzaga, Earl Figuracion, Richard Manabat and Lian Silverio. This particular play, written by Dustin Celestino and directed by Roobak Valle, was revisited for the 15th season of the VLF. This will stream via the CCP Youtube channel.
On April 24, Friday, 3 p.m., TP’s latest production “Batang Mujahideen,” written by Malou Jacob and directed by Guelan Luarca- Varela, will premiere online via the CCP Youtube channel. This critically-acclaimed staging features the members of the TP Actors Company with guest artist Iman Ampatuan.
This May, a timely reading of a new monologue by revered playwright Layeta Bucoy entitled “Doc Lolo” will be performed by no less than TP Artistic Director Nanding Josef will signal the launch of TP’s reinvigorated Facebook page. “Lolo Doc” tackles the timely plight of our elderly frontliners during this pandemic.
Engagement projects will also be launched on TP’s other social media accounts – Twitter and Instagram.
TP is also launching its own Youtube channel carrying exclusive, fresh content, especially curated for the digital market and fans of TP and Philippine theater. It presents highlights and musical numbers from past productions “Balag At Angud,” “Nang Dalawin Ng Pag-ibig Si Juan Tamad,” among others.
This Youtube channel will also be the launching ground for future projects as online presentations. It will also feature a fresher version of TP classics and hits. Guests artists will take part in this endeavor.
In celebration of Apolinario Mabini’s death anniversary this May 13, TP will partner with an industry giant to premiere the latest staging of “Mabining Mandirigma.” Topbilled by international theater star Monique Wilson with David Ezra and Arman Ferrer, this staging is the most successful of the four runs of the musical, directed by Chris Millado.
Also in the works are exclusive online workshops to be given by TP friends, alumni, and current members of the Actors Company.
TP is also a part of “Open House,” an ongoing online fundraising project for the benefit of the Performing Arts community, which has been greatly hit by the current enhance community quarantine.
“PansamanTANGHALAN” is supported by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, OKADA, Asian Institute for Distance Education and ABS-CBN’s ticketing platform KTX, Island Rose, Cocolife, AIDE, and OKADA.#PangsamanTanghalan is now streaming! You can subscribe to our official YouTube channel here: http://youtube.com/tanghalangpilipino
Click here for more stories like “PansamanTANGHALAN: Tanghalang Pilipino goes online”. Make sure to follow and subscribe to our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
