Streetchildren tackle dramatic challenge

CEBU, Philippines -  It could be considered a dramatic vehicle that is so unlike the rest in theme, subject and substance. It is about streetchildren acted out by streetchildren, a pioneering activity that is made more novel and pronounced by the original music that they are made to sing.

“Kanto Sa Paraiso” dwells on the simple theme of belonging among rejected adolescents, cultured in the shelter provided by the government and the people tasked to guide and provide them not only with the basic needs to survive but of inculcating living values.

Penned and directed by Palanca and Philippine Centennial Commission Literary Competition winner, Al Evangelio, it will be premiered on Dec. 3, 2012, at the Pagcor Casino Filipino Threater at 7:30 in the evening.

The anticipated play, which marks Evangelio’s comeback after more than a year of hiatus in Samar, trails the tragi-comic genre, with no melodramatic expose on the respective character’s life like sexual molestation or sado-masochistic experiences.

“It just “leisurely” dabbles on dysfunctional family units that led the respective characters to shady engagements for survival until they were convened in a shelter house there they are, unwittingly, rejuvenated into self-respecting individuals able to appreciate goodness. Their regular repartees tighten their bonding that, eventually, they find strength in each other, cultivating concern and true untainted love for their fellow wards. The dialogue is developed in a light comic context,” the unassuming director explained.

Breathing life on the male characters are wards of Tulunghaan Sa Dalan and the Community Scouts (Darwin Baliton, Angelo Mejia, Francis Mathew Recio, Rajohn Llanos, Jake Gonzaga) while the girls’ roles are assumed by the Anakatira Foundation students (Alyssa Biazon, Mengail Echevarria, Jerna Hotohot, Roselyn Ando and Rowena Ladonia).

The Gala Premier at the Pagcor Casino Theater is invitational and for those who wish to witness this benchmarking activity on its first public exposure, kindly call 0918-4435671 / 0942-3463735 or 2385754. The public performances are slated on Dec. 8 and 9, 2012 at the University of San Jose-Recoletos’ Center for Performing Arts where group bookings are also entertained. (FREEMAN)