PETA's 42nd Theatre Season

“[The] 42^nd theatre season brings together four productions that intend to take our audiences on a journey that will reveal iconic characters of Philippine society – familiar characters given new life through fresh, interesting and innovative approaches that will capture not only their rich stories, but also the wellsprings of our creative artistry.”

-- from PETA Season rationale

The Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA) recently held a press launch for the media, educators, students and other theatre enthusiasts to give a sneak preview of its 42^nd season offering.

Heading the lineup is another modernised take on Rizal's Noli and Fili. Adapted by seasoned playwright Nic Tiongson, the contemporary play titled “Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil” centers on current social and political issues that echo the timeless social cancer that Rizal dealt with in his time. This is the most serious of all the four plays of the season, as it also deals with major environmental issues facing our society today. Personally, I am very interested in this piece, as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are my lifetime favorite novels. Coming off from having seen the contemporary take on the Fili by Dulaang UP's musical “Isang Panaginip na Fili” staged last year, I am expecting PETA's play will likewise be worth the buzz. I admit, just watching the sneak peak already made me misty-eyed.

Second in the offing is the lighter classic “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” that also goes on mobile presentation to delight and invoke social and moral values from a wider audience and romanticists alike. In my opinion, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang will serve as a breather before PETA embarks on another serious play with “Ismail at Isabel,” which deals with the rights of children and major religious differences and practices in the country. This time the significant issues will be seen through the eyes of two children, borne of different beliefs.

The last production to be staged on the first quarter of 2010 is a very timely play about the election. Yup, it's Philippine presidential election time once again next year and the vaudeville style of the play, “Boto: Another Musical” (the title is longer than that) is sure to send the audience sliding off their seats and rolling on the floor laughing at the very real, very true portrayals of the Philippine political situation. The sneak preview already induced the above reactions, and surely left me wanting to come back for more. It's several months of a long wait, but I have high expectations that it will be worth it.

For theatre enthusiasts, PETA's 42^nd season is one you wouldn't want to miss.