NOW PLAYING

Tanghalang Ateneo jumpstarts its 30th Season, Echoes, this July with two modern classics by Eugène Ionesco—Ang Sopranong Kalbo (translated by Rolando S. Tinio) and The Lesson. The double bill of absurd plays, wildly funny on the surface but sinister in its implications, comes together under the name “?” Two by Ionesco, with the question mark representing the reaction of people who cannot apprehend what the other is saying.

Ang Sopranong Kalbo introduces characters or the “non-characters” rather, who engage in silly banter, storytelling and poetry recitation in attempts to relate with one another. The Lesson, in turn, is a frustrating attempt by a seemingly harmless professor to teach mathematics and philology to a bright, young girl, an effort that results in violence.

Common to both plays is the horror of miscommunication. In Tanghalang Ateneo’s version of Kalbo, however, this horror arises not from the hollowness of identity, as in the original text, but from the hollowness of national identity. In The Lesson, the horror comes about as a colonial educator seeks to impose his will on a native subject. The comedy remains, however, as nonsense, noise, and non sequiturs dominate the text.

“?” showcases the talents of an all-student ensemble. Kalbo has Exzell Macomb and Peanuts Valerio play Mr. and Mrs. Santos while Gelo Brillantes and Ia Solis play the Martins. Regina de Vera portrays the maid, Marie, alongside Mel Pante who portrays the fireman. The Lesson features Mikey Panopio as the Professor, Bea Gulinao as the Pupil and Mon Querubin as the Maid.

Ricardo Abad and BJ Crisostomo co-direct the plays. Set design is by Monica Sebial with Peanuts Valerio and Sam Quizon handling the costume design.

“?” Two by Ionesco runs from July 2 to 5 and 9 to 12 at 7pm, with additional 3pm shows on July 5 and 12 at the Communication Studio of the Ateneo de Manila University. For inquiries, contact Ia Solis at 0915-8512860. The plays are excellent material for classes in the humanities and the social sciences.