March 23 and 24 (1:00 PM and 7:00 PM)
BLACK BOX Theater
6F School of Design and Arts, College of St. Benilde, Pablo Ocampo St, Manila
Ticket Price/s: Php 200.00
Directed by Ana Opeña
Choreography by Ana Opeña, John Gamboa and Pope Villanueva
Written by Pope Villanueva
Cecilia, a dance thesis by Ana Opeña, is a portrayal of the harsh realities that women face – abuse in its multifaceted forms and how it affects their mental, physical and emotional development. The play follows how the titular character, Cecilia, reacts to the problems she encounters. The show not only aims to highlight various societal issues, but also explores the multiple root causes of these issues.
Cecilia follows the story of a young girl, born to a happy and caring family. However, with her mother’s passing, everything changed and her father turned abusive. Cecilia tried to endure this sudden change in her atmosphere. She decided she had enough when he went over the edge and attempted to force himself on her. Homeless, helpless, and hopeless, Cecilia turned to a highly lucrative, yet physically and emotionally demeaning life – under the guise of waitressing at a local bar in order to survive. A chance encounter with her father years later proves that life gives you the strangest opportunities at the strangest times and that it is in these moments where one can truly define themselves.
The show is part of the final requirement of the Bachelor of Performing Arts, Major in Dance under the tutelage of Denisa Reyes. It opens on the 23rd of March (Friday) at the 6th floor of Benilde’s School of Design and Arts Black Box, and will run until March 24 (Saturday). Showtimes are at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets are priced at Php 200.00 and can be purchased at the booth on the 9th floor elevator lobby of the SDA building or by contacting David Laboy at +639155008396.
