Mythical creatures and online games: Janus Silang goes on stage

THE story of Janus Silang undoubtedly appeals to young audiences because of two things — the presence of mythical creatures and computer games.

The best-selling book written by Palanca Edgar Calabia Samar — Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon — comes to life with Tanghalang Ateneo’s (TA) theatrical adaptation as part of its 38th season on Feb. 1-25 at the Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo De Manila University in Quezon City.

Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon is about an adolescent boy, Janus, whose world is turned upside down when characters from his favorite computer game and comic books appear and disrupt his life. He later discovers the mystery of his bloodline and his destiny. The book won the 2015 National Book Award for Novel in Filipino and the 2016 National Children’s Book Award for Best Read for Kids.

Director and moderator Glenn Sevilla Mas told BusinessWorld the idea of translating the book into a play came when he finished the book on a ride back to Manila.

“I texted Edgar jokingly, asking him if I can translate it into a play and we got his permission. I told him that we will really try our best that the adaptation will be faithful to the novel and it will also be good as a theatrical piece,” he said.

The author participated in the production and TA often consultated with him to remain faithful to the story, said Mr. Mas. The play’s script was written by award-winning playwright Guelan Luarca.

“We also considered the fans’ insights [into] the book. As long as the were okay with it, we are okay with it as well. There are a lot from the audience who are ardent fans — like a cult — who are real fanatics of the book,” he said.

Casting was a bit of a challenge, said co- director Charles Yee. “When we were casting it, we selected some TA members but then we realized some [characters] were not well-suited for the students so we need to get professional actors and age-appropriate ones,” he said.

Earvin Estioco, an Ateneo High School student, was cast in the title role, and Mr. Yee said they had confidence in the young actor.

For the much younger role of Juno, Janus’s little brother who happens to be the tiyanak, they cast Ateneo grade schoolers Joachim Galves and Sam Tango.

The play also stars Allan Forte, Bong Cabrera, JJ Ignacio, Diega Villanueva, Cloie Hilomen, John Sanchez, Jacob Whittaker, and Dr. Jerry Respeto, Fr. Rene Javellana, S. J., and Xander Soriano alternately play the role of the mysterious Bungisngis.

And because of the play’s abrupt ending — the novel has a sequel — both directors are hoping there would also be a followup production on stage soon.

“It will depend on the negotiation with Egay (Mr. Samar) and Adarna Publishing House ( the book’s publisher),” Mr. Mas said. He however hinted there is a television series in the works with ABS-CBN, directed by Topel Lee, which is in the process of casting.

He said the play easily captures their young audience’s interest mainly because of the mythical element and online games it references.

“We are targeting young adults to develop their appreciation of mythologies as well. On another point, they will also realize that there’s something to learn from online games,” Mr. Mas said.

The remaining performances of Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon are on Feb. 15, 16, 18, and 21 to 25, at 7: 30 p. m., with Saturday matinees at 2: 30 p. m. For more information, contact Dean Silva at 0916-314-5475. —