Last June 18, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino launched its 27th theater season, entitled “MENSAHEROES”. Among those present at the event were Jolly Gomez, President of Tanghalang Pilipino; renown artistic director, Fernando Josef; company manager, Carmela Manuel; children’s writer, Dr. Luis Gatmaitan; fashion designer, Tessa Prieto-Valdes and the actors and actresses than comprise the company. The media was present in the press launch as well, with representatives from various groups such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer and several bloggers covering the event.
This season heavily plays on the father figure, the breadwinner of the Filipino family. Kicking off the season is an adaptation of Dr. Luis Gatmaitan’s Palanca award winning children’s book Sandosenang Sapatos. Committing to the season’s theme, the musical highlights the patriarch and the love he has for his daughter.
The drama tells the story of Susie, a wheelchair bound girl whose father is renown as the best shoemaker in town. Her father had dreamt that his daughter would one day be a ballerina until, of course, come the day of the tragedy.
The production is directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio and brought to life on stage by playwright Layeta Bucoy, whom also brought musicals like Stageshow and Walang Kukurap to the stage. The artistic director for the project is Fernando Josef, musical composition by Noel Cabangon and Gerald Mercado as choreographer. The production stars Jonathan Tadioan as the father, May Bayot as the mother, Trixie Esteban as Susie and Tessa Prieto-Valdes as the shoe fairy.
Other plays in Tanghalang Pilipino’s roster for this season are Ibalong, The Muscial, San Andres B., Der Kauffman (Merchant of Venice) and Mga Ama, Mga Anak. The season will will feature these productions through the span of the entire year and ending its run on March 9, 2014.
Indeed, the year looks to be a great one for drama, beginning with Layeta Bucoy’s Sandosenang Sapatos. It will be shown in CCP from July 13-21, 2013 at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute.
