PUP Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory to stage Deldoc’s ‘Kasaray Duma’ in April 2025
After a series of workshops, collaborative productions, mini performances, and recital plays, the PUP Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory (PUP SLP), or more dearly known as Polyrep, is now set to culminate their current theater season with a staging of Kasaray Duma: Mga Supling ng Sigwa by Eljay Castro Deldoc as their major production.
Kasaray Duma follows a titular fictitious indigenous tribe as they are faced with a looming displacement from their homes due to a development project their local government wants to build. This causes division among the Kasaray Dumas on whether they must submit to relocation orders or fight for their rights to their ancestral land, which triggers the return of a long-lost spirit.
The full-length play, with a run time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, will run from March 31 to April 2, 2025, with three show schedules (12:00 NN, 2:30 P.M., & 5:00 PM) per day, at the Tanghalang PUP, College of Communication Compound, Sta. Mesa, Manila. The theater group also plans to announce cast schedules soon.
The Final and Loudest Utterance of ‘Puyra Buyag’
Kasaray Duma reflects true-to-life narratives of land-grabbing and corruption among positions of power, which criticizes the lack of systemic protection for Indigenous Peoples’ basic human rights and their culture. Moreover, the play emphasizes themes of power, injustice, and collectivism — timely subjects that SLP deems crucial to be continuously echoed in a time of political unrest.
This aligns with Polyrep’s 43rd Theater Season entitled ‘Puyra Buyag’ which revolves around questioning the status quo, rejecting hierarchy, and ending cycles of abuse and division. Like what Kasaray Duma aims to say, Puyra Buyag is anchored on the theater group’s goal to leverage the art of uttering and manifesting to block away evil eyes — be it the antagonists of this play or real-world oppressors, from personal to social contexts.
The Artists Behind the Production
This play by Deldoc has been staged by various productions multiple times in the past, but SLP seeks to offer new and unique takes on the struggles of the Kasaray Dumas. The staging is directed by Polyrep alumnus and seasoned theater practitioner Paul Jake Paule and Polyrep member Kuina Suruiz.
Making up the cast of Kasaray Duma is a diverse ensemble of Polyrep members, apprentices, and alumni: Jhonsen Bognot, Sky Dabanda, Sarah Gonzales, Markel Belo Gamboa, Castur Deguinon, Roby Ann Go, Princess Anne Buhay, David Amonoy, Estephene Castro, Ryan Molina, Robielle Marfori, Margauxxx, Katrina Bernardo, Maryden Villapando, Pearl Arceo.
Additionally, Polyrep members, apprentices, and alumni are also taking on various roles behind the scenes. Carly Avila serves as the production’s dramaturg, while Lyric Alolor heads the production design. Bringing the world of Sapang Kawayan — the setting of Kasaray Duma — into life are set and props head Kimberly Paigones, lights head Celine Neo, and for sounds head Aira Nicole Manalo. Projection mapping is provided by Jess Briones, while costume, hair, and makeup is designed by Sky Dabanda.
Meanwhile, the production management is headed by Princess Anne Buhay, as well as stage management is led by Cindy Shain Remigio. Leading the marketing team is Andrea Contreras, for the publicity team is Margauxxx, and for house management is Robielle Marfori.
