‘Noli’ opera shows the patriotism we’ve lost

For today’s Facebook, app and TV generation, ‘Noli Me Tangere’ The Opera isn’t the show to line up for. Unless the young and connected want to see what their generation is missing, and what the nation has largely lost in the way to the 21st Century.

With 20 performances from the evening gala two nights ago till September 28, ‘Noli’ depicts in music and libretto by two national artists, composer Felipe de Leon and sculptor Guillermo Tolentino, selected scenes from national hero Jose Rizal’s novel on love and oppression in colonial Philippines. In the two-hour saga with Filipino lyrics, English subtitles and 19th century melodies, the lost ideals of patriotism and fidelity are extolled for our age of What’s in It for Me.