MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Virgin Labfest 19: PINTOG is revisiting three acclaimed plays from last year’s festival, offering audiences another opportunity to explore significant Philippine cultural and historical narratives. These plays include Andrew Estacio’s Ang Awit ng Dalagang Marmol, Dingdong Novenario’s Dominador Gonzales: National Artist, and Zheg Arban’s Room 209.
The new staging offers a fresh interpretation of these works, allowing insights into the nuances of Philippine history and mirroring the realities of life through powerful storytelling.
Ang Awit ng Dalagang Marmol explores the complexities of producing a theater piece within a play, engaging with the controversial song “Jocelynang Baliwag.” The play examines historical revisionism, making it especially relevant in today’s political climate. “The play promises a new yet hauntingly familiar experience for our audience,” said Andrew, the playwright.
Dominador Gonzales: National Artist returns with a new cast member. The play provides a reflective look at the personal and professional life of a fictional national artist, inviting the audience to interpret the narrative freely. “The actors bring something new that they have learned over the past year,” explained playwright Dingdong.
Room 209 addresses the ongoing issue of hazing within the Philippine Military Academy. Inspired by real-life events, the play aims to raise awareness and encourage discourse on this systemic issue. “We are trying to delve deeper into the relationships and characterizations this time,” mentioned Director Delphine Buencamino.
These plays not only entertain but challenge the audience to reflect on less discussed and often uncomfortable issues.
VLF 19: Pintog runs from June 12 to 30, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater), with performances at 2 PM and 8 PM. Additional festival components will take place at 5 PM at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet, 3rd floor of the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.
For more details on the schedule and ticket prices, please visit the official social media accounts of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, The Writers’ Bloc, and the Virgin Labfest on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
CREDITS:
Playwrights: Andrew Estacio, Dingdong Novenario, Zheg Arban
Directors: Names of the directors involved
Production: Virgin Labfest, Tanghalang Pilipino
