YOUNG FILIPINO THESPIANS TO STAGE ADAPTATION OF ITALIAN DRAMA ‘COSÌ È (SE VI PARE)’

AN adaptation of the Italian drama Così è (se vi pare) by prolific novelist and Nobel Prize for Literature winner Luigi Pirandello, ’Yun Na Nga! (Kung ’Yun Na Nga) is being staged on April 1 and April 3, 2024, 1 and 6 pm, at the Fifth Floor, Theater of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.

The three-act play was translated to Filipino by writer Jerry Respeto. He based it on the English version of the script titled It Is So! (If You Think So) by American author Arthur Livingston. The story centers on the life of the mysterious Signora Frola and her son-in-law Signor Ponza, who, due to a devastating tragedy, move to a new town.

Driven by the desire to uncover the new settlers’ family secrets, the villagers create conflicting versions of the truth and accusations of madness against Frola and Ponza.

The group of enthusiastic residents led by Amalia, Agazzi, Cini, Dina, and Nenni likewise portray absurd and unreasonable acts to unravel the peculiar life of the newcomers.

Yun Na Nga! (Kung ’Yun Na Nga) is directed by Roobak Valle, ad hoc chairman of professional staging company Gantimpala Theater Foundation.

The two-hour show is produced by Novel:theater, a group of young talents from the Theater Arts Program of the De La Salle-college of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP).

It showcases the performances of thespians, namely Aidan Angan, Faith Baclig, EJ Bautista, Lenard Bulosan, Aira Caliao, Dara Estioko, Katrina Gamba, Edith Garcia, Boom Gonzales, Daryl Greñas, Philip Macabantad, Niezel Nicolas, Pia Nuñez, Dave Palomo, Erica Prado and Ron Villanueva.

The production design team, on the other hand, is comprised of Mei Abendan, Coleen Aldana, Rose Ansay, Sophia Barroga, Carleen Calamba, Alec Del Rosario, Kiarra Garcia, Samantha Guerrero, Ciara Guillermo, Nacho Mendoza, Andrea Resurrecion, Gero Rojas, Anya Sanchez, and Ysabel Suaybaguio.

Tickets are available at P350. More information is available at www.facebook.com/novel.theater.