Dulaang UP presents Goethe’s “Faust”
The legend of Dr. Faust is without a doubt one of the canons of world literature. It tells the story of a successful scholar who struck a deal with the devil to obtain great power and to indulge life’s pleasures, even if it meant relinquishing a priceless possession: his eternal soul..
In fact, the term “Faustian bargain” has long referred to situations when an individual abandons his or her principles in pursue of wealth, power, and the like. The best known version of “Faust” was written by preeminent German writer and polymath Wolfgang von Goethe.
Over the centuries, “Faust” has been adapted in many formats and has inspired countless artworks, puppet shows, and other cultural forms all over the world. This month, it will be the turn of Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP), the official theater group of University of the Philippines-Diliman, to stage its own version of “Faust.”
The adaptation was developed by award-winning playwright and scriptwriter Rody Vera. In a press release, DUP noted that Vera’s adaptation will focus on the entanglements of religion, morality, and folk narratives.
Dulaang UP’s “Faust” will alternately feature veteran theater actors Neil Sese and Jack Yabut for the title role. Meanwhile, Paolo O’Hara and Mailes Kanapi will take turns in playing the role of the evil Mephistopheles. Lastly, Karen Gaerlan plays the innocent and pious Margarita.
“Faust” is directed by José Estrella. The artistic team is composed of Anril Tiatco, Jem Javier, and Bryan Viray for the dramaturgy, Barbie Tan-Tiongco for the lights, Carlo Pagunaling for costume, Ed Lacson for the set design, JM Cabling for choreography, Jon Lazam for sounds, and Joyce Garcia for the videos.
Dulaang UP’s staging of “Faust” comes at an opportune moment since the UP Diliman marks its 68th foundation anniversary this month. The theme of UP Diliman Month 2017 is Salaysayan: K’wentong Bayan, Kaalamang Bayan. Incidentally, February has also been designated as National Arts Month as mandated by the late President Coracon Aquino’s Proclamation 683.
“Faust” will have its theatrical run beginning on February 15 until March 3, 2017 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City. Interested parties may contact the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 433-7840, and 981-8500 local 2449 or its marketing manager Arkel Mendoza at 0917-9673616 for ticket, sponsorship, and show buying inquiries.
They can also be contacted through dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com and their official Facebook page –www.facebook.com/DulaangUnibersidadNgPilipinas.
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