Photos by Vlad Gonzales Built on student initiative, student collaboration, and student exploration, Walang Biro Sa Banyuhay was originally written as an absurdist play by contemporary playwright Imuthis (Harvey Rebaya Sallador).
The end product was an experimental physical theatre piece that hinged heavily on technoshamanist sound design and patchwork-inspired costumes.
This was a thesis production under the University of the Philippines (UP) BA Theatre Arts program initiated by students Rio Fermo (sound design), Daphene Giga (costume design), and performance majors Max Aragon & Pia Ysobel Cruz. They are joined by Juanmig Gasgonia (from the Ateneo de Manila University; also for performance).
Theatre professionals Missy Maramara and Raflesia Bravo were invited to collaborate and challenge the thesis students with devising prompts and contemporary dance techniques.
As Assistant Director, I helped bridge communication between members of the artistic and production management teams, and created prompts for the students during the devising process.
May 14, 2024 (7:00 PM)
Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan (THY)
Pavilion 3, Palma Hall, UP Diliman
Featuring:
Pia Ysobel Cruz as GRENDA
Max Aragon as GRETE
Juanmig Gasgonia as PAPA
Shof Galagate as MAMA
Ensemble:
Arka Alduñar, Yanni Alimondo, Jenel Dela Torre, Mark Delima, Gab Gulle, Ace Hernandez, Miel Marka El, MG Reyeg, Elli Viola
Directors: Missy Maramara & Raflesia Bravo
Assistant Director: Geráld Diola
Dramaturgy: Val Venezuela, Quinea Babas
Sound & Set Designer: Rio Fermo
Costume Designer: Daphene Giga
Lighting Design: Therese Varquez, Hazel Dianne
Video Design: Chal Casado
Technical Directors: Abigail Taniegra, Lottie
Stage Management: Ruby Valente Gomez, Rance Saruda
Production Management: Rhia S. Adona, Chi Carreon, Dan Pucyutan