Buwan at Baril sa Eb Major

by playwright Chris Millado, who is the artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, will be staged on Jan. 26 to Feb. 12 at the Yuchengco Auditorium, Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City.

The play weaves five stories based on real experiences of the victims who were interviewed by Mr. Millado in 1984 when he wrote the play for the Philippine Educational Theater Association ( PETA). It was first shown the following year, in 1985.

Sugid Productions, which aims to produce Filipino plays that are deemed relevant and urgent, is collaborating with Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation in presenting Buwan at Baril.

Theater actor and film and television director Andoy Ranay is directing the play. He said when they thought of mounting Buwan at Baril, there was a certain “fire in our hearts.”

“Thirty years after, certain things are happening all over again — in our government, in our society — so I think it’s time for us to tell the story, especially to the young audience, for them to realize that this part of the history is again happening,” told BusinessWorld during a play rehearsal on Jan 12.

He said theater is a powerful venue for this and Mr. Millado’s material calls for a very intimate stage experience.

CAST OF STARS

Echoing the same sentiment, Ms. Picache said the play is a timeless piece meant to send a message especially to the youth. Having a 14-year-old son, the actress said she makes it a point to remind him of what happened during the Marcos regime.

“I was born in 1970 and I was only two years old when Martial Law happened. Like me, I’m sure the young ones have an idea, but it’s different when you live it. These are the important parts of history that should not be forgotten. This is going to be their country and you’re the ones should do the safekeeping,” she said. Best known today for her work on television and film, Buwan at Baril is the actress’ first play in 15 years.

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Ms. Blanco said she somehow can relate to her role, being the daughter of a land owner whose property had been taken away from them.

“It’s something that affected my character and she’s doing her own fight. In reality, I just hope that we can get some sort of a payback. It’s been 30 years and we’re still fighting for it,” she said.

She, however, said she looks at the Marcos regime as having two sides — some okay, some not.

“[But] there are so many bad things in that era that are being repeated now. It will make you think what to do and how to give your share because if we didn’t do anything, it will lead to something worse,” Ms. Blanco said.

After the staging, Mr. Ranay said he is considering asking Mr. Millado’s permission to adapt

into a film. The important thing now would be reaching out and sharing the stories with a wider audience.

“I always tell my actors that we are storytellers, and every story we need to tell audience, we will. Now that I know the stories, it’s my way of sharing them,” he said. “I want the audience to experience it themselves... I want them to feel it and live it.” —

Tickets for Buwan at Baril sa Eb Major are available at TicketWorld ( ticketworld. com. ph and 891-9999).