The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions Inc. will co-present the Philippines’ first full-length opera, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera. The opera, which premiered at the Far Eastern University in 1957 and made its CCP debut in 1974, marks its 60th anniversary with a limited six-performance run at the CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo from Jan. 28 (gala premiere) to Feb. 3.
Based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s 1887 novel, Noli Me Tangere, the opera was written by National Artist for Music Felipe de Leon (“Payapang Daigdig,” “Sarong Banggi”) and with libretto by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino. Both creators, who were obsessed with Dr. Rizal’s landmark novel, finished the opera in 1957.
(Photo by Orly Daquipil)
According to New York-based dramaturge Randy Gener, the opera was, however, “not the first Filipino opera ever written. That honor belongs to Sandugong Panaguinip, a 1902 work with a Spanish libretto by Pedro Paterno, translated into Tagalog by Roman Reyes, with music by Ladislao Bonus. Sandugong Panaguinip is a one-act opera of five scenes, while De Leon’s Noli opera was written in three acts, making it the country’s first full-length opera.”
This production, which earlier had critically-acclaimed engagements in New York, Washington D.C., and at the Resorts World Manila, features more than 200 opera singers, musicians and crew, 16 scene changes, and a brand-new staging. Jerry Sibal, a sought-after event designer in New York City, who is also designing new sets and costumes, debuts as director.
The newly formed 53-piece Noli Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera plays the show’s score and orchestrations, arranged in the Western operatic tradition with overflow passages reminiscent of Mozart, Puccini and Wagner, and sung in Tagalog (supertitles in English to be provided).
Noli Me Tangere, The Opera follows the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines after pursuing scholarly studies in Europe. He plans to open up a school and marry Maria Clara, his betrothed. However, parish priest Padre Damaso, the archenemy of the Ibarras, is out to hinder Crisostomo’s plans, which creates a dramatic storyline of forbidden love, betrayal and revenge.
Both novel and opera depict the abuses suffered by the indios in the hands of Spaniards. They also paint a picture of the so-called “social cancer” such as the rotten system of governance, the illicit ways of the church in the islands, and the unfavorable trade of the privileged class, which is still very much relevant today. “We’d like to instill in the youth that nationalism is very important. We’re very educated, talented and skillful. The only problem we’re facing right now is the love of country,” explained Sibal.
“We’d also like to create more appreciation of the opera art form. The opera is (the) highest form of art because it has architecture, literature, theater and classical music combined together. The beauty of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera lies in its use of our own language, Tagalog, and the Filipino love song kundiman combined with Western opera influences,” he said.
Dr. Raul Sunico, CCP president, said, “We’re glad to welcome back Noli Me Tangere, The Opera to the CCP main stage after 30 years since Fides Cuyugan-Asensio’s Music Theater Foundation staged it in 1987. Theatergoers and music lovers shouldn’t miss this rare musical experience; it’s every Filipino’s story set to one of Felipe de Leon’s finest scores.”
For special ticket deals and discounts to the 60th-anniversary production of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, contact J&S Productions Inc. (0926) 038-0548, (0921) 890-3816, (02) 998-2356, or the CCP Box Office (02) 832-3704/06, or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
For more information, visit NoliMeTangereTheOpera.com.