Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere gives people a glimpse of colonialism, class struggle, and religious conflict during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. And despite the period it got published, the novel is still very relevant even up to this day.
The themes of oppression, revolution, justice, and morality are timeless and can still be found in our world at present. Thus reinforcing the power of Rizal’s novel to provide an insight into the social, political, and religious issues of the Philippines during the Spanish colonization, and how these issues still continue to influence society today.
Additionally, the novel provides a powerful commentary on the power of education and how it can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to challenge injustice and oppression.
For seasoned actor Piolo Pascual, who’s playing Crisostomo Ibarra, in the stage and modern adaptation of the influential piece of literature, the musical Ibarra is a must-watch for everyone.
“I think every Filipino should watch Ibarra. It’s our own creation, it’s our own story. Noli Me Tangere is one of the most prominent books ever written. It’s a constant reminder of our struggles, of our roots, of the revolution. So, everyone should watch it so we would be reminded of our roots and be proud of it,” Pascual told Manila Standard Life during the musical’s media conference.
“It’s a dream come true for me to play Ibarra since the novel itself is one of the most influential books that I read back in high school. And when I first saw the musical Noli Me Tangere, I told myself that one day, I’ll play that character,” the actor recalled.
Ibarra, a musical based on Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, is set to be staged by Tanghalang Una Obra at the GSIS Theater this June.
The musical stars Pascual in his first foray into musical theater. He is joined by featured cast members Myramae Meneses (Maria Clara), Jeffrey Hidalgo (Elias), Floyd Tena (Padre Damas0), Carlo Mañalac (Padre Salvi), Nicole Laurel Asensio (Sisa), JD Tena (Basilio), Elian Santos (Crispin), Jon Joven Uy (Pilosopo Tasyo), and Carla Guevara Laforteza (Doña Victorina).
Also in the cast are Meldea Chua (Doña Consolacion/ ensemble), Richelle Joson (female ensemble/ Sisa cover), Roxy Aldiosa (female ensemble/ Maria Clara cover), Aira Maglinao (female ensemble), Rechelle Maynes (female ensemble), Dianne Fabros Isabel (female ensemble), Paula Paguio (female ensemble/ Doña Consolacion cover), Victoria Mina (female ensemble, Doña Victorina cover), Carlos Canlas (Alferez/ Ibarra understudy), Neil Tolentino (Don Tiburcio/ male ensemble), Roby Malubay (Tenyente Guevarra/ male ensemble), Joseph Magalad Billeza (Padre Damaso alternate/ male ensemble), Anton Nolasco (Lucas/ ensemble), JV Pascual (Tarsilo/ ensemble), Kevin Posadas (alternate Elias), Earle Figuracion (Don Rafael/ Bruno/ Alferez cover/ male ensemble), Ariel Perino (Kapitan Tiyago/ Guardia Civil/ Tauhan/ ensemble), JM Avelino (Sacristan Mayor/ male ensemble), Kiko Cruz III (Sepulturero/ Padre Sibyla/ male ensemble), and Lance Soliman (male ensemble).
Ibarra is a musical with 37 songs, written by Jomar Fleras, with music by Joed Balsamo. It is directed by Frannie Zamora, with choreography and co-direction by Paul Alexander Morales, production design by Mio Infante, and lighting design by Dong Calingacion.
The show will run from June 8 to 18, at the GSIS Theater, J.W. Diokno Blvd, CCP Complex. For inquiries regarding tickets and sponsorships, email [email protected]. Tickets will be available on Ticketworld soon.