Young Filipino thespians to stage adaptation of Italian drama
‘Yun Na Nga! (Kung ‘Yun Na
Nga), an adaptation of the Italian drama Così è (se vi pare) by prolific novelist and Nobel Prize for Literature winner Luigi Pirandello, will be staged beginning on Monday, March 25 at the 5F Theater of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus.
The three-act play was translated to Filipino by writer Jerry Respeto. He based it on the English version of the script entitled ‘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, moved to a new town.
Driven by the desire to uncover the new settlers’ family secrets, the villagers created 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 portrayed 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. ‘Yun Na Nga! (Kung ‘Yun Na Nga) will be on view from tomorrow, March 25 to Tuesday, March 26, and Monday, April 1, to Wednesday, April 3. Shows are at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the 5F Theater of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.
Tickets are available at P350.