Ateneo Entablado presents ‘Ang Birheng Matimtiman’ by Jerry Respeto

Ateneo Entablado presents ‘Ang Birheng Matimtiman’ by Jerry Respeto

Ateneo ENTABLADO (ENtertaynment para sa Tao, Bayan, LAnsangan at DiyOs) will have its fourth and final production for its 33rd theatrical season this March with Jerry Respeto’s “Ang Birheng Matimtiman,” a play set during the start of the Philippine-American War in 1901. It is a loose adaptation of Niccolo Machiavelli’s 1518 satirical comedy “La Mandragola.”

“Ang Birheng Matimtiman” is derived from the Tagalog adage “Walang matimtimang birhen sa matiyagang manalangin,” which literally means that people can get what they pray for if they pray for it hard enough. 

The play is set in the rural town of Laguna de Bai, where Catholic rituals and traditions have become intertwined with the daily life of its residents and where Spanish friars remain at large. The main protagonist is Clarita Matimtiman. 

The story begins in earnest when Clarita comes into contact with a corrupt friar, a wily trickster, a dutiful but dim-witted servant, devotees of the Virgin Mary, and a wealthy bohemian. In this quiet city, a story of frailocracy (as ), hypocrisy, and infidelity unfolds.

ang birheng matimtiman theater adaptation
Ateneo ENTABLADO will stage “Ang Birheng Matimtiman” this March 2016

Ang Birheng Matimtiman runs on March 1 to 5, and 8 to 12 at 7:00 p.m.; and on March 5 and 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rizal Mini Theatre, Faber Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

Ateneo ENTABLADO’s 33rd season is dubbed “Makita Kang Sakdal Laya.” For the academic year, the group has shown plays that emphasize good governance and engaged citizenship, themes that are very relevant in the context of the 2016 national and local elections. Its most recent play is an adaptation of Rene Villanueva’s “Sandaang Panaginip.”

The show runs on the following dates: March 1 to 5, and 8 to 12 at 7:00 p.m.; and on March 5 and 12 at 2:00 p.m, at the Rizal Mini Theater at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Faber Hall.

Interested parties may contact Mich Pama at 0917 701 1753 for tickets and related inquiries. Please also check out Ateneo ENTABLADO official Facebook page.

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Mark Pere Madrona

The Filipino Scribe (TFS) is managed by Mark Pere Madrona, a multi-awarded writer and licensed professional teacher from the Philippines. Mr. Madrona earned his master’s degree in history from the University of the Philippines-Diliman last 2020. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism cum laude from the same university back in 2010. His area of interests includes Philippine journalism, history, and politics as well as social media. Know more about him here: https://www.filipinoscribe.com/about/.

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