In celebration of the 125th year of Philippine independence, Tanghalang Una Obra is staging the musical play IBARRA.
IBARRA is a prize-winning musical adaptation of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. IBARRA (original title Kanser) was written in 1979 by Jomar Fleras and won in the Cultural Center of the Philippine playwriting competition. It has been staged since 1980 and holds the distinction of being the longest running play in Philippine history. It has won several artistic awards and has been performed all over the country and even abroad. This 2023 will be the 40th year of the staging of the play.
The iconic role of Crisostomo Ibarra will be played by multi-awarded actor/singer Piolo Pascual. This will be Pascual’s first professional stage musical.
The other cast members will include: Myramae Meneses (Maria Clara), Jeffrey Hidalgo (Elias), Floyd Tena (Padre Damaso), Carlo Mañalac (Padre Salvi), Jon Joven Uy (Pilosopo Tasyo), Nicole Laurel Asensio (Sisa), Carla Guevara Laforteza (Donya Victorina), Dea Formacil (Donya Consolacion) JD Tena (Basilio) and Elian Santos (Crispin).
Composer and Musical director is Joed Balsamo, Choreographer and co-director is Paul Morales, Production designer is Mio Infante. Lights designer is Dong Calingacion Franniel Zamora is overall director. The Manila Symphony Orchestra will provide live accompaniment.
The musical is slated for staging on June 8-18, 2023 at the GSIS Theater. Tickets are available at Ticketworld by May 2023.
Proceeds from the play will benefit the feeding programs of Rise Against Hunger Philippines. Rise Against Hunger Philippines is a member of the global confederation of Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable, mobilizing the necessary resources to end hunger by 2030. It operates the first and only national foodbank in the Philippines and is a member of the Global Foodbanking Network.
The play is sponsored Government Service Insurance System, Cultural Center of the Philippines, JTI Philippines, Nickel Asia Corporation, Vibal Publishing, Andoks, Diamond Hotels, McDonalds, Figaro, Beautederm and Artdesign.
For more information contact: info@riseagainsthunger.org.ph
