February 20, 2012

Beyond cultures

Tanghalang Ateneo, one of the student theater groups of the Ateneo de Manila University, is currently staging Japanese playwright Suzue Toshiro's "Fireflies," using an English translation by David Goodman. It is directed by Filipinos Ricky Abad, a sociologist and theater artist, and BJ Crisostomo, who is also a playwright.
Japanese screen with actors' photos for Tanghalang Ateneo's production of Fireflies

From the directors' notes:
"To Suzue Toshiro, the image of fireflies becomes a metaphor of the relationships among three interconnected couples who struggle to share intimate feelings with a special someone but are unable to do so completely."

Dave Fabros as Hayakawa and Laura Cabochan as Tomoyo
Dave Fabros and Laura Cabochan in Tanghalang Ateneo's production of Fireflies

"A moment of mutual affection may surface one moment, but this spark, like the glow of fireflies, quickly disappears."

Laura Cabochan as Tomoyo and Nicolo Magno as Nakagawa
Laura Cabochan and Nicolo Magno in Tanghalang Ateneo's production of Fireflies

"Life moves on, the pursuit for intimacy continues but the outcome remains the same: it's one random 'firefly moment' after another, never a sustained bond."

Ella Palileo as Megumi and Mirick Paala as Murai
Ella Palileo and Mirick Paala in Tanghalang Ateneo's production of Fireflies

"Is this twinkle, or series of blinks, all one can expect from intimate relationships? Or shall one dream big and go for love's eternal flame?"

Set design by Ohm David and lights design by Jonjon Villareal
the set of Tanghalang Ateneo's production of Fireflies

A Filipino interpretation of a Japanese play translated into English. I wish I could ask you all to watch it.

3 comments:

Olivier said...

de belles photos du spectacles, la lumiere est magnifique

George said...

This sounds like a wonderful multi-cultural event. The premise sounds very interesting.

Alexander said...

Sounds like a nice play.

Alexander
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex