Dulaang UP presents ‘Bilanggo ng Pag-ibig’ this February
Dulaang UP, the official performing group for theater of the University of the Philippines, will close its 39th season this February with “Bilanggo ng Pag-ibig.” The play was written by Rody Vera and will be directed by José Estrella.
“Bilanggo ng Pag-ibig” is largely based on Prisoner of Love, the final book by renown French novelist, playwright, and political activist Jean Genet. The book was released in May 1986, shortly after he died.
“Bilanggo ng Pag-ibig seeks to understand and portray Jean Genet’s imagination, as well as his controversial insights on revolution, betrayal and deceit, homosexuality, terrorism, and love,” Dulaang UP said through a press release.
The group also noted that Genet’s final work “is a lyrical and philosophical voyage to the bloody intersection of oppression, terror, and desire at the heart of the contemporary world.”
Genet’s “Prisoner of Love” was inspired by the author’s experience during his immersions in Shatila refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon. The camp serves Syrian refugees who’ve been displaced by the never-ending armed conflicts in the region.
The main stars of Bilanggo ng Pag-ibig are Melvin Lee as Jean Genet while Tess Jamias and Dolly De Leon alternately play the role of Leila Shahid. Joining the cast are Peewee O’Hara, JC Santos, Tarek El Tayech, Brian Sy, Paul Cedrick Juan, Silveste Bagadiong, Virgilio Balanon, Jomel Reyes, Miela Sayo, and the Dulaang UP Ensemble.
The artistic staff is composed of Ed LacsonJr (assistant direction and dramaturgy), Vanessa Banta (dramaturgy), Barbie Tan-Tiongco (lights), Lex Marcos (set), J Victor Villareal (sound), Carlo Pagunaling (costume), JM Cabling (movement), Sigmund Pecho (puppetry), and Jon Lazam (video).
Prisoner of Love will have its theatrical run from February 11 to March 1, 2015 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater located at the 2nd floor Palma Hall of University of the PhilippinesDiliman.
Interested parties may contact production manager Juan Ysmael Mendoza through jycmendoza@gmail.com or at 0915-2785203 for inquiries.
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