“What does it mean to embody womanhood in today’s world?”
Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) is set to celebrate women in its upcoming 46th Season, commencing on November 23, 2023. This season, titled “SIDHI’T SILAKBO,” will make its debut through a double-feature production showcasing female narratives performed as monologues and enriched with masterclasses led by trailblazers in the realm of Philippine theater.
“SIDHI”: This season introduces DUP Studio, the company’s latest venture into Philippine theater education. Dulaang UP Alumna, acclaimed actress Dolly De Leon (a FAMAS Best Supporting Actress with BAFTA, Golden Globes, and Los Angeles Film Critics nominations), will mentor a new generation of theater talents in the inaugural masterclass, “Auditioning for a Role and Landing It,” open to the public. As a burgeoning flagship project of DUP, DUP Studio aims to create a platform for both seasoned theater veterans and industry newcomers to learn from one another.
“SILAKBO”: The production “SIDHI’T SILAKBO” will be directed by DUP Artistic Director Issa Manalo Lopez and Virgin Labfest Festival Co-Director Tess Jamias. This performance features five remarkable female actors: Shamaine Buencamino, Uzziel Delamide, Chic San Agustin, Wenah Nagales, and Adrienne Vergara. The production comprises a collection of all-female monologues reimagined by the ensemble and writer Maynard Manansala, drawing inspiration from classical works in the theater. “SIDHI’T SILAKBO” weaves together women’s stories, allowing them to confront their realities, assert their truths, make righteous choices, and find happiness.
In the following year, Dulaang UP will launch with the reprisal of the female-led “Kung Paano Nanalo Sa Karera Si Rosang Taba” in April 2024. To conclude the season on a powerful note, Dulaang UP will collaborate with the International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR) and Kolab Co. in July 2024 for a twin-billed staging of Layeta Bucoy’s “Ellas Inocentes,” directed by Issa Manalo Lopez, and Eljay Castro Deldoc’s “Walang Bago sa Dulang Ito,” directed by Tess Jamias and Herbie Go.
“SIDHI’T SILAKBO” inaugurates DUP’s 46th Season by utilizing performance as a response to issues surrounding the representation of women. To Artistic Director Lopez, “Sidhi’t Silakbo” (both the season title and the all-female season opener) is a celebration of the authenticity and validity of diverse female experiences:
“It is an awakening, a breaking of cycles, a dismantling of stereotypes, as women liberate themselves through performances imbued with freedom, fury, wit, rage, love, and ruin. All of this is driven by their own ferocity and frenzy.” The season is a tribute to the ‘female phase’ of theater, demonstrating a heightened dedication to repositioning Dulaang UP as a welcoming and collaborative creative space through greater decentralization. Below are the show dates for the “Sidhi’t Silakbo” production, to be staged at the newly-furnished IBG-KAL Theatre:
Nov. 23, 24, 25 (7:30 pm)
Nov. 26 (2:30 pm & 7:30 pm)
Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 01 (7:30 pm)
Dec. 02, 03 (2:30 pm & 7:30 pm)
The DUP Studio masterclass with Dolly de Leon will also be held at the IBG-KAL Theatre on 25 November 2023 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The ticket prices for these events are as follows:
“Sidhi’t Silakbo Production”:
- Regular Rate: PHP 1,300
- Discounted Rate for UP Students: PHP 650
“Auditioning for a Role and Landing It” DUP Studio with Dolly de Leon:
- Sit-In Participants: PHP 1,200
- Mentored Participants: PHP 5,000
Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) has maintained a longstanding tradition of producing outstanding theatrical productions since its establishment in 1976 by National Artist for Theatre, Tony Mabesa. In its second season following the pandemic, Dulaang UP extends a warm invitation to students, educators, and theater enthusiasts to join them on stage, recognizing the enduring significance of diverse representation.
For inquiries and additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at dulaangup.upd@up.edu.ph. Any sponsorship-related matters, including show purchases, audience sponsorship, and bulk ticket inquiries, can be directed to Kate Dayag-Nonay at dulaangup.upd@up.edu.ph.
