Irish Renaissance literary classic to be staged

Dive into the gloomy currents of longing and anguish in the unpredictable hands of nature as Dulaang Filipino, the resident theater group of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), restages an Irish Literary Renaissance classic Riders to the Sea.

Catch the renowned poetic dialogue of rural Ireland in this 1904 one-act tragedy by the reputable Irish playwright, poet, travel writer and collector of folklore John Millington Synge, who is the co-founder of the premier Abbey Theater, fondly known as the National Theater of Ireland.

Riders to the Sea delves in the hopeless deep sorrow and devastation of Maurya, who lost her husband and five sons in the turbulent and cruel seas. Along with her surviving children, Cathleen and Nora, who act as keepers of the household, and Barthley, who steps up as the provider, the matriarch struggles and gradually ventures into life and its unformidable journey against the deep waters.

Under the direction of the respected Riki Benedicto, the trainer and head of the theater company, Dulaang Filipino’s edition of the quintessential drama brings hope as it speaks of loss and grief and self-discovery and healing.

Under the Benilde Office of Culture and Arts (OCA), the production is in collaboration with the Cultural Promotions Team (CPT) and the Stage Production Operations Team (SPOT).

Riders to the Sea will have shows on Nov. 20, 7 p.m.; Nov. 21, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Nov. 22, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. It will be on view at the 4/F Dance Room, Solomon Hall, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), 2544 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila.

Tickets are at P200. For details, call 230-5100 loc. 1528 or 1603 or e-mail culture.arts@ benilde.edu.ph.