October 5, 2008

Keep on dreaming, Pepe

Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal and his two novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo seem to be popular topics not just in history and literature classes here but also in plays. In August, we watched the Philippine Educational Theater Association's "Noli at Fili: Dekada 2000," a modern interpretation of the two novels, and the same theater group is currently staging "Batang Rizal," which discusses the ideas of heroism and nationalism from the point of view of children, one of whom is the child Jose "Pepe" Rizal. Dulaang U.P., the resident theater group of the state University of the Philippines, recently staged "Isang Panaginip na Fili" (A Dream of Fili). Basically, the play is just a dramatization of Rizals' entire second novel. What makes it different is the fact that it is a musical, and the novel's story is interspersed with scenes where Pepe discusses his novel-in-progress with a friend. In the end, they differ in their ideas about how Pepe should end his novel. Tunying wants him to choose the way of weapons and warfare. But Pepe—much like his other choices in life—in the end decides to reject violence. It's a slower and more difficult path, and many of the social ills of the Philippines that Rizal wrote about still exist to this day. But, as the play exhorts in the end: Keep on dreaming, Pepe, and maybe one of these days, your dream of justice, freedom and equality for Filipinos just might come true. Especially if enough Filipinos dream with him, I think.

posters of Dulaang U.P.'s Isang Panaginip na Fili

12 comments:

  1. Pepe is really someone! I have yet to view an Epigraph here about Pepe and Blumentritt...I hope to see it soon!

    The title of the play made me think if there really is a Tunying character...=D

    For his dream to come true......

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  2. Very interesting information, Hilda! The posters also look great.

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  3. I should make it a point to watch a play in Manila this December. Miss ko yan. As a literature student, nililibot namin lahat ng theatres: CCP, Rajah Sulayman, UP, PETA, etc. Malupit ang mga panahong yon, pero anong magagawa namin? :D

    Thanks for visiting Norwich Daily Photo and leaving your comments. Happy week ahead!

    joy
    A Pinay In England
    Your Love Coach
    I, Woman

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  4. Greetings from Juneau, Alaska!
    You're last post brought tears to my eyes.:(

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  5. I am not familiar with this author -- though now I really want to read his work. Thanks for a great post, Hilda.

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  6. Would that his hopes and dreams could come true for all peoples in all nations!

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  7. Hello Hilda !
    Always interesting information...
    Yes, great post !
    See You later.

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  8. I just visit this blog for the 1st time...very interesting ! The culture in Manila is very rich and this blog helps to promote it. Thanks for all these informations !

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  9. Interesting post, Hilda. I like it and your photo.

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  10. Thanks for this wonderful introduction to this literary figure. We still are reaching for such dreams in America too.

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  11. I remember reading about Rizal many years ago in one of my history classes. The only reason I remember him was because of his book, Noli Me Tangere, which means Touch Me Not, right?

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  12. Just want you to know hilda that reading your blog made me weepy. =)

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