Achievements of Philippine theater showcased from November 8 to 18

The Cultural Center of the Philippines opens its doors to theater artists, practitioners and enthusiasts for the 4th National Theater Festival (NTF) from November 8 to 18. Dubbed “Ika-Apat na Tagpo, Ang Bagong Yugto: The New Act”, this year’s NTF offers performances, a conference, exhibits and film screenings.

The NTF started in 1992 and 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the festival. This year’s edition showcases the ever-growing achievements of Philippine theater.

Presenting a variety of stage productions are leading theater groups and performers from all over the Philippines: Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc. from the province of Bulacan; Bohol Antequera and Maribojoc Cultural Collectives in cooperation with Teatro Bol-Anon from the province of Bohol; cultural activist Carlos Celdran; Dulaang UP of the University of the Philippines; Gantimpala Theater Foundation; Integrated Performing Arts Guild of Mindanano; State University-Iligan Institute of Technology; Mindanao State University Kabpapagariya Ensemble from General Santos City; Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA); Sipat Lawin Ensemble; Tanghalang Ateneo of Ateneo de Manila University; Tanghalang Pilipino; The Xavier Stage of Cagayan de Oro; and Trumpets Inc. There will also be special performances by Kanlaon Theater Guild of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, Spit (Silly People’s Improv Theater), and ventriloquists Ony Carcamo and Wanlu.

One of the highlights of this festival is the 4th NTF Conference from November 8 to 10 at the CCP Silangan Hall. Theater scholars, academicians and practitioners will present papers on relevant contemporary issues and concerns related to Philippine theater. This historic gathering will also provide the theater community with opportunities to formulate strategies that can be pursued in order for Philippine theater to create an impact, locally and globally and to forge fellowship and build stronger networks. The 4th NTF Conference is being presented with the assistance of the Artists Welfare Project Inc. (AWPI).

Film screenings will showcase plays that were made into films and films that started out as plays. These include National Artist for Film Lino Brocka’s Insiang (written by Mario O’Hara for film and for stage) and Bona (adapted by Layeta Bucoy for stage); National Artist for Film Lamberto Avellana’s Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (a Nick Joa-quin play); Dennis Marasigan’s North Diversion Road (a Tony Perez play), Anatomiya ng Korupsyon (a Malou Jacob play), and Joel Lamangan’s ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh (a Chris Martinez / Vincent de Jesus musical theater adaptation of the graphic novel by Carlo Vergara).

The 4th National Theater Festival “Ika-Apat na Tagpo, Ang Bagong Yugto: The New Act” is organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

For more information, call the NTF Secretariat at 832.2314 and visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.