MMMiii!

Yesterday, I watched the Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The UPIS English and Filipino departments were given 100 tickets fot Dulaang UP’s Filipino showing of As You Like It. Since it was free and I wanted to watch it anyway, I went.

I’ll give a shot at reviewing a stage play. x_x… Humm.. I don’t know all the names of the Characters. I should’ve bought the programme…

• Title: As You Like It/Paano Man Ang Ibig
• Author: William Shakespeare
• Translated by: Rolando S. Tinio
• Performed by: Dulaang UP (University of the Philippines Diliman)
• Venue: Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, UP Diliman
• Time: 10:00 a.m.

The Plot

Frederick has usurped the Duchy and exiled his older brother, Duke Senior. The Duke’s daughter, Rosalind, has been permitted to remain at court because she is the closest friend of Frederick’s only child, Celia. Orlando, a young gentleman of the kingdom who has fallen in love with Rosalind, is forced to flee his home after being persecuted by his older brother, Oliver. Frederick becomes angry and banishes Rosalind from court. Celia and Rosalind decide to flee together accompanied by the jester Touchstone, with Rosalind in disguise as a young man. Following after is a series of disguises, mistaken identities and humorous unfortunate encounters in the woods. But like any Shakespearean comedy, all is well in the end. (From DUP site)

The Language

Since what I watched was the translated version, I have to comment on the language. It was Tagalized and a little modernized as well. Would you find a fight scene in Shakespearean plays where the finishing attack is the famous “hadouken” (I think that should go to the Direction review)? Or playing with Engalog with horrendously wrong grammage?

I admit to not being able to understand some of the words in Filipino, but through context clues, you will be able to understand it. Over-all, the words used were almost befitting to the present Philippine society.

The Script

Having not read this play by Shakespeare, considering we’re currently taking up Shakespeare in class, I was a little lost in some scenes. Did they remove some lines? Some scenes? There was this thing about the elder brother suddenly becoming good and then he was like giving back to Orlando what should be his too. And the random characters like Audrey… where did she come from? Aside from that, it was still good.

The Direction

I think the director, Jose Estrella, used cool innovations on the direction. It was the first time I’ve seen anything like it (because I don’t watch plays often, only when required, or free). The stage was dynamic. I know that usually, the stage DOES change, like props and backgrounds, but here, it was DYNAMIC. You actually watch it happen. The cloths that cover the sides change right in front of you, from plain white, to foresty looks. The floor becomes grassy and you see them actually putting it there, organized and methodically.

And it usually happens while some characters dance around. The dances, the blocking, the choreography, just totally rocks.

Right before the intermission ended, the play has resumed already. Instead of the usual “We’re going to start in a few minutes. We’re going to start in a few minutes” while the *TING* sound goes off again and again, you’ll see Orlando doing something and you’ll think that the play has already resumed even if it hasn’t really.

Where can you see fighting with a big snake (Anaconda?) and a Lion (Small stuffed toy) running after someone? Plus the Hadouken one! It’s totally classic! I think. And the girl’s name is Rosalind(a) and the “Rosalinda Ay Amor” plays. Cool!

My only comment on the dancing was that it was a little too much. They play lasted for 3 hours. Although it was entertaining, it was overkill as well. It’s not like the classic men in black running around in the dark to set up the stage. You see the stuff being put in and out while the actors are already acting or dancing, taking their sweet time.

The Actors

Except for the old man Adam, everyone else was amazing. Especially that guy (Geronimo?) who was amazing with his shaking with fear. They were all cool. Especially Orlando, with his serious character, he is very funny.

The costume jewelry was cool too! All that bling bling. The necklace Rosalind gave Orlando was really shiny.
The Music

Aside from playing Rosalinda Ay Amor twice (i think), the music was just cool, and very modern. You’ll want to dance with them. I read somewhere that this same play was performed using the music of Barenaked Ladies.

The dances were great, ballet and contemporary or something, that I started to wonder if they were doing interpretative dance… but yeah, they became a little too … excessive…

The Verdict

You only have a week left to watch it. You’d better hurry!!!

Here are the remaining play dates:

• September 12, 2007 Wednesday 7pm English
• September 13, 2007 Thursday 7pm English
• September 14, 2007 Friday 7pm English
• September 15, 2007 Saturday 10am English
• September 15, 2007 Saturday 3pm English
• September 16, 2007 Sunday 10am English
• September 16, 2007 Sunday 3pm English
• September 19, 2007 Wednesday 3pm Filipino
• September 20, 2007 Thursday 3pm Filipino
• September 21, 2007 Friday 3pm Filipino

I would like to watch the English version too, but I don’t think I’ll be able to get it for free, so never mind.

\o/

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!