1st Philippine International University Theatre Association Festival/Conference/Workshop

By  MARK G. CALIMBO

    In the words of Federico Garcia Lorca, Spanish poet, dramatist and theater director, the theater is one of the most expressive and useful vehicles for the edification of a country’s people, and a barometer that marks the country’s greatness or declines.  A sensitive theater can alter a people’s sensibility in just a few years.

    Last July 17-20, 2011, I attended the 1st Philippine International University Theatre Association Festival/Conference/Workshop at the Miriam College in Quezon City together with Ms. Joyce F. Guerra from the College of Engineering and Technology (CET).  International delegates were coming from  the University of Montreal, Canada; University of Liege, Belgium; University of Buffalo, USA; Universidad Benemerita Autonoma de Puebla, Mexico; Belarusian State University, Belarus; Anadolu University, Turkey; Croatian Center for Drama and Education, Croatia; Hoseo University, Seoul, Korea; Ruhr University, Germany; University de Franche, Comte, France.  Foreign guests and presenters were Shu Wing Tang, Hongkong; Aubrey Mellor, Lasalle Singapore; Dr. Constantina Ziropoulou, Athens, Greece; Dr. Katia Savrami, Greece; Kalev Kudu, Estonia; Siarhei Turban, Belarus; Vladimir Makarevitch, Belarus; Shafi Ahmed, Bangladesh; Dr. Sineenart Laedpriwan, Thailand; Dr. Lertsiri Bovornkitte, Thailad; Dr. Rinboon Nuchnomboon, Thailand.  Of course, there were attendees coming from the different universities and colleges in the country such as Miriam College, University of the Philippines, University of Eastern Philippines, Bulacan State University, Batangas State University, Romblon State University and other private colleges and universities.

    What made the training for my part more exciting was the reunion of sort with my former college teacher Dr. Jose Reuben Alagaran, who happened to chair one of the sessions.  It was good thing to exchange pleasantries with him again after  more than a decade, and it’s nice to know that my dear former professor is now Head of Research and Publications Management Office of the Miriam College.

    The international wokshop/seminar/conference gave us the chance to watch stage plays at different venues.  First stage play was at the Marian Auditorium of the Miriam University.  The play was entitled “Amihan” by Liza C. Magtoto and Joel M. Toledo.   The play was an adaptation of Joel M. Toledo’s novelette for Young Adults, Pedro and the Lifeforce. The second stage play was “Rizal X.”  The venue was at the UP Diliman.  Rizal X is the opening production of Dulaang UP for its 36th season, in celebration of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s sesquincentary.  This original production features the collaboration of young and promising theater actors, the live music of Happy Days Ahead and the works of both established and budding poets, playrights, choreographers, animators, filmmakers and artists.  Conceptualized, choreographed and directed by Dexter M. Santos and with original music by William Manzano. The last stage play was the adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.  This was Tanghalang Ateneo’s 33rd season opener, “Sintang Dalisay,” which is an intercultural production and collaboration of traditional dancers from the South and urban theater practitioners from the North, also between Muslim and Christian artists.  The play was directed by Dr. Ricardo G. Abad who has been the artistic director and moderator of Tanghalang Ateneo since 1984.

    The highlight of the conference was the Gawad Parangal sa mga Tampok na Yaman ng Teatro Pilipino (Tribute to the Living legends of Philippine Theater) which was held on day3 from 2pm to 5pm at the Marian University.  IUTA Philippine center pays tribute to outstanding Filipino theater professional who not only contributed to the advancement of Philippine theater, but who also epitomize such values as dedication, discipline, excellence and professional integrity.  The roster of honorees include Dr. Natividad Crame Rogers, Dr. Rustica Carpio, Fr. James Reuter SJ, Dr. Onofre Pagsanghan, Dr. Amelia Lapena Bonifacio, Jose Mari Avellana, Dr. Jesus T. Peralta, Alberto Florentino, Fides Cuyugan Asensio, Baby Barredo, Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Celia Diaz-Laurel, Joy Gamboa-Virata, Teddy Hilado, Salvador Bernal and Tony Mabesa.  It was a nice feeling for me because one of the awardees is Dr. Rustica Carpio, our former dean from PUP’s College of Languages and Mass Communication and the thesis adviser of my sister Alma for her Master in Mass Communication.

    World-class performances were provided by great Filipino talents such as Cocoy Laurel, Kontra Gapi-Edru Abraham, Shirley Halili Dance Company, U.P. Filipiniana, Philippine Arnis, Miriam College Employee Chorale, Bayanihan Dancers, Cynthia Guico, Noel Guico, Loida Campos, Christine Escudero and Christine de Vera. Event hosts were brilliant stage talents Audie Gemora, Noel Mallonga and Pinky Amador.