Theater festival recognizes promising talents
Budding playwrights, artistic directors and stage actors were recognized for their outstanding participation and performances at the recent 15th Crossroads Benildean Theater Festival.
After a successful season, the annual fest culminated recently with an awards night held at the School of Design and Arts (SDA) Theater.
Organized by Dulaang Filipino, the resident theater company of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde(DLS-CSB)’s Office of Culture and Arts (OCA), the festival featured original one-act plays written and directed by Benildean and Lasallian students, alumni, faculty and staff.
This year’s season highlighted the spirit of ontogenesis, the anatomical and behavioral development of an individual organism as part of the entire metamorphosis of the world. In addition to incor-
porating the theme of the college’s values, the four finalists likewise brought social and political relevance into the stage.
B’yaheng Gen X, Gen Y, atbp. by Digital Filmmaking alumnus Jose Bryan Nonay was declared as Best Play with Best Graphic Design and the Box Office Award trophies.
Maria Cacao and the Pirate Princess by Master of Fine Arts and Creative Writing student Joey Alvarado was hailed as the Second Best Play with Best Ensemble, Best Sound Design and Best Technical Direction awards.
Halgambilang by Multimedia Arts undergrad Jade Abendan was proclaimed as Best Lighting Design, Best Costume Design and Best Set Design.
Individuals who excelled in their respective roles were also honored during the event: Jose Bryan Nonay as Best
Playwright for B’yaheng Gen X, Gen Y, atbp. and Jade Abendan as Best Director for Halgambilang.
Elijah Castillo was declared as Best Actor for Ang Mansyon ni Mayor, while Kiara Vicente was recognized as Best Actress for Halgambilang. Meanwhile, Beatrice Ramos was cited as Best Actress in a Supporting Role for B’yaheng Gen X, Gen Y,
atbp. and Luis Sumera was Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Maria Cacao and the Pirate Princess.
Sabrina Manansala won Best Stage Manager for Maria Cacao and the Pirate
Princess, and Kristeen Lee as Best Production Manager for Ang Mansyon ni Mayor.
This year’s shows were carefully screened and conscientiously deliberated by the top notch panels of jurors, composed of renowned artistic directors Riki Benedicto, Joey Ting and Glenn Mas.