With all the recent uproar on the Cybercrime Law and the approaching midterm legislative and local elections next year, CCP’s Tanghalang Huseng Batute showcases a timely production in Walang Kukurap. Set in an ordinary town in the Philippines, it explores the dynamics of traditional politics and the emerging brand of politics brought about by first time politicians. It follows the story of five families who are intertwined in the political landscape of a town ruled by black money and opening itself up to an impending political dynasty and the detestable tentacles of opportunism.
Cristina Medina, the widow of the slain former mayoralty candidate Marco Medina runs for vice mayor, banking on her husband’s good surname. Though her husband advocated good governance, she runs for money, and thus finds herself in the middle of the traditional web of violence, corruption, and power struggle. Her niece Rhoda plunges into the political fray upon the prodding of her mother Melba who has long resented the comparison between her husband and Cristina’s husband.Trying to retain their hold over the town are Purita and Molong, a couple who is a product of calculated political maneuverings as Purita’s businessman father guided Molong’s rise from Boy Scout personnel to town mayor. A victim of unfortunate circumstances, tricycle driver Panchang tries to bring an oasis of order in her family’s economic chaos by transacting with the powerful, abiding to the rules of their game, and thus having a taste of misguided victory. Businessman Santiago enters the political landscape, a former Bureau of Customs official with unexplained wealth, intending to rule over the town’s economy by conquering its political sphere. Well meaning Doray, a university science professor, tries to stand by what is good for the town, but as she herself runs for mayor, a series of unfortunate events hamper the goodness that she has to offer. Interspersing their stories are gambling and drug lords Alex and Lu and an armada of young adults who struggle with this generation’s political and economic realities.
As all of the characters try to prevail within a corrupt system, the audiences are taunted, teased about the political realities in their respective towns, and eventually, in order to ensure the election of the deserving candidates, challenged to be vigilant, to not even blink in choosing to whom they are to give their sacred votes.
Headlined by the members of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Actor’s Company, Walang Kukurap also includes veteran actors and actresses. The fusion manifests an interesting blend of youthful energy and honed discipline in the acting department. Several interviews are conducted in enriching the material with the members of the whole production team contributing individual stories and insights concerning corruption and politics.
CAST:
Suzette Ranillo Nar Cabico
Sherry Lara Delphine Buencamino
Mymy Davao Ding Navasero
Crispin Pineda Paulo Cabanero
Peewee O’Hara Nonoy Froilan
Lou Veloso Sharmaine Suarez
Ced Torrecarion
Featuring GLOC-9 on Special Dates
With the TP Actors Company:
JONATHAN TADIOAN
MARCO VIANA
REGINA DE VERA
NICOLO MAGNO
RALPH MATEO
REMUS VILLANUEVA
DORAY DAYAO
APRIL JOY INIGO
JOVANNI CADAG
I look forward to catching this stage play. I don’t want to miss it as the performances ends this week and I learned that the Friday show will the opening performance of Sharmaine Suarez. It would be interesting to watch since I have yet to watch her on theater. Walang Kukurap plays Fridays (8pm), Saturdays (3pm and 8pm) and Sundays (3pm) until October 7, 2012 at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute of the CCP. Tickets are also available at all Ticketworld outlets.
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