Written by: Marc Stanley Mozo, Holden Kenneth Alcazaren
“What does it mean to be a woman in our world today?”
Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) celebrates women in its 46th Season to be launched this November 23, 2023. The season titled “SIDHI’T SILAKBO” launches itself through a double-feature production of female narratives performed in monologues and masterclasses given by trailblazers in the practice of Philippine theatre.
SIDHI: This season launches DUP Studio, the company’s newest initiative in the realm of Philippine theatre education. Dulaang UP Alumna, FAMAS Best Supporting Actress, and internationally acclaimed actress Dolly De Leon (BAFTA, Golden Globes, Los Angeles Film Critics nominations) will mentor a new breed of theatre talents in its first ever master class to be opened to the public titled, “Auditioning for a Role and Landing It”. As one of DUP’s burgeoning flagship projects, DUP Studio seeks to provide an avenue for theatre veterans and industry novices to learn from one another.
SILAKBO: DUP Artistic Director Issa Manalo Lopez and Virgin Labfest Festival Co-Director Tess Jamias will direct the production of “SIDHI’T SILAKBO” with five female actors: Shamaine Buencamino, Uzziel Delamide, Chic San Agustin, Wenah Nagales, and Adrienne Vergara in a collection of all-female monologues reimagined by the ensemble and writer Maynard Manansala from classical works in the theatre. The production is a weaving of women’s stories through spaces where women confront their realities, and assert their choices of what is true, what is right, and what makes them happy.
Dulaang UP will then open the following year with the re-run of the female-led “Kung Paano Nanalo Sa Karera Si Rosang Taba” in April 2024. To end the season strong, one of the season’s highlights is Dulaang UP’s collaboration with the International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR) and Kolab Co. in July 2024 for a twin-billed staging of Layeta Bucoy’s “Ellas Inocentes” to be directed by Issa Manalo Lopez and Eljay Castro Deldoc’s “Walang Bago sa Dulang Ito” to be directed by Tess Jamias and Herbie Go.
Sidhi’t Silakbo launches DUP’s 46th Season by using performance as a response to issues of women representation. To Artistic Director Lopez, Sidhi’t Silakbo (title of both the season and its all-female season opener) is a celebration of the authenticity and validity of varying female realities: “It is an awakening, a breaking of the cycle, breaking stereotypes, of women liberating themselves through a series of performances of freedom, fury, wit, rage, love and ruin. All fueled by their own ferocity and frenzy.” The season honors the ‘female phase’ of theater, with a greater commitment to repositioning Dulaang UP as a safe and open creative space through greater decentralization and collaboration. These are the show dates of the Sidhi’t Silakbo production to be staged at the newly-furnished IBG-KAL Theatre:
Nov. 23, 24, 25 (7:30 pm)
Nov. 26 (2:30 pm & 7:30 pm)
Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 01 (7:30 pm)
Dec. 02, 03 (2:30 pm & 7:30 pm)
The DUP Studio masterclass with Dolly de Leon will also be held at the IBG-KAL Theatre on 25 November 2023 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The ticket prices for these events are as follows:
SIDHI’T SILAKBO Production: Php 1,300 (regular rate), Php 650 (discounted rate for UP students) | “AUDITIONING FOR A ROLE AND LANDING IT” DUP Studio with Dolly de Leon: Php 1,200 for sit-in participants, Php 5,000 for mentored participants.
Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas has long been at the forefront of producing premiere theatre productions since it was established in 1976 by National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa. In its second season since the end of the pandemic, Dulaang UP continues to welcome back students, educators, and enthusiasts to the stage, where greater representation never fails to matter.
For inquiries and further information, contact or email dulaangup.upd@up.edu.ph. Sponsorship concerns such as showbuying, audience sponsorship, and bulk tickets may be addressed to Kate Dayag-Nonay at dulaangup.upd@up.edu.ph.
*with contributions from Issa Manalo Lopez, Tess Jamias, Olive Nieto, Jonas Gabriel Garcia, Rodney Barnes, and Davidson Oliveros
