Distrito De Molo by UP Playwrights’ Theatre
It has been quite a while since I last watched a stage play in Filipino. This chance I got via UP Playwrights’ Theatre’s Distrito de Molo. These three one-act plays were also presented in English. It just so happened that the most convenient time for me to watch was the Filipino version and it certainly did not disappoint.
Distrito de Molo
Distrito De Molo consists of three plays set in the illustrious district of Molo in Iloilo City, albeit taking place in different timelines. Director Tony Mabesa dedicates this production to his father who is a native son of Molo. This is an interesting collaboration between a writer in his late 70s and a director in his early 80s.
Molo used to be Iloilo City’s Chinatown or Parian. It has produced many known personalities. The writer, Leoncio Deriada, wrote the play as tribute to the things Molo should be remembered for.
Tres Hermanas De Molo
Tres Hermanas De Molo is set in the late 1950s. The story revolves around the post-war lives of the wealthy Locsin sisters – Visitacion, Asuncion, and Salvacion. Each has a dark secret from their past. They found a new beginning in revealing their transgressions and looked forward to a new beginning along with their loyal nanny, Maura.
Atlas De Molo
Atlas De Molo is set in contemporary times. Newlyweds Eric and Lorena Avancena moved into the crumbling Avancena mansion where a statue of the Greek Titan Atlas stands in the middle of a dry fountain. Atlas traps Eric into exchanging places with him.
Venus De Molo
Venus De Molo is set in the 1930s. Don Guillermo Arroyo is obsessed in producing his own “Venus De Milo” and employs a local sculptor Crispino Maranon to create a marble “Venus De Molo”. The goddess Laonsena learned that Don Guillermo did not intend to compensate Crispin and decides to become the Venus de Molo.
My Say
I never cease to be astounded by the amount of talent I witness when I watch a stage play presented by Dulaang UP or UP Playwrights’ Theatre. Every play is a new experience. Every experience can only get better.
Nova
stage play is amazing, i had to witness one well not like this one, but it’s from our school play and it’s a good one too.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen
I used to love watching plays. I should take my daughter there one of these days…
Zwitsy
I find the play really interesting. This reminds me of my HS days. We played our own write up story. It’s just quite frustrating since not everyone of us has the same line of acting. Anyhow, I believe this de molo play is something worth to watch! I am interested with the 3 sisters’ story.
Eileen
This would be great to watch. I haven’t seen any theater plays for the longest time and I hope I could! I love the storylines of these plays. The Tres Hermanas de Molo and Atlas de Molo really spiked my interest.
msculit
I enjoy watching theatre plays rather than going to a movie house. I like the passion shown by each thespian in the playwright. I wish there are more plays to show to the younger audience so they can appreciate life plays.
Chubskulit Rose
This is the kind of event I love attending but unfortunately, not so much here in our area. I miss Philippines!
Channel Marie Imperial
Wow! A show with Iloilo as the setting! That’s something we don’t see everyday! I haven’t been to Molo before but I personally think that this play would give me an idea on the way of life of the people who live there.
JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman)
I bet watching this show live is fun, exciting and memorable especially if you love live shows.
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Stage plays is great but I preferred watching movies nowadays. I think, this is great stage play with lessons for us, Filipinos. Fernando Lachica