Tanghalang Ateneo (TA) returns for their 39th season with an adaptation of Edgar Calabia Samar’s award-winning novel Si Janus Silang at ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang. The play picks up where its predecessor left off: Janus’ journey of self-discovery as he comes to terms with a world where things of Filipino nightmares transverse reality.
Mang Isyo (Xander Soriano) and Renzo (alternates Jacob Whittaker and Quiel Quiwa) are the first to greet the audience with a short recap of the series’ first installation. Although the playful exchange is informative, it feels a bit lacking for those who have neither read the book nor watched the first play because of its quick-paced delivery. Nevertheless, the initial haze of confusion slowly dissipates as tidbits of information are highlighted in the characters’ dialogue.
Throughout the play, we see Janus (Earvin Estioco), with the help of Mang Isyo and Mang Joey (alternates Carlo Vergara and Renante Bustamante), continuing his quest for Paraluman, a unique force within him that is powerful enough to thwart the Tiyanak’s plan for human destruction. The stronger Janus gets, the quicker dangerous characters from his past catch his scent. In the end, it isn’t Janus who’s caught in the crosshairs—it’s the people he cares about.
It’s difficult to pull off Janus’ fast-paced, supernatural story, but TA does exactly that. By staying faithful to the source material, which bridges together Filipino folklore and our modern context beautifully, they’re able to captivate audiences with a relatable story, chock full of spectacle, thrills, and spells of comedic charm. Aiding them is a creative set, with a simple, yet dynamic moving staircase that they use to create vertical levels in their actors’ movements. When a character is meant to be imposing, having them stand almost six feet above the ground aids to make their performance effective as they tower over not just fellow actors, but the audience as well.
TA further heightens the emotion of a scene with their intelligent use of off-stage props, lights, and sounds. Smoke machines, crepuscular lighting, and staccato tribal music introduce trouble and the mystical realm of the spirits, Kalibutan. On the other hand, upbeat tunes and a stage bathed in incandescent light indicate a rare stress-free moment for the adventurous characters.
Credit is also due to the superb cast for naturally breathing life into their complex roles. Miro, played alternately by Shawn Landayan and Lucas Abaya, is an instant favorite with his flamboyant, boyish charm, friendly demeanor, and hilarious anecdotes. It is all too easy for viewers to get attached to his character.
Contrasting Miro’s flair is the slightly gawky teenage boy Earvin Estioco portraying the titular Janus. It’s easy to sympathize with the character because of Estioco’s alluring performance. He perfectly balances his emotions as he goes from troubled, to childish, to lovestruck.
Outside of the main cast, Jenny Jamora and Bina Basilio stand out for more reasons than their elaborate Manananggal costume. They seamlessly transition the monster from a formidable threat to an elegant and wise ally all the while retaining the Manananggal’s ethereal aura.
Overall, TA does a great job adapting Janus Silang at ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang. The first act can be hard to follow for newcomers to the series, as it dives head first into action, but as you slowly learn more and more about each character, the backstory of their journey, and the world they have created, you fall right in with them. On the other hand, for people familiar to the story of Janus, there’s no doubt they’d be happy with the quality of the production, and will be left itching for more.
Rating: 4.5/5
Photo by Aga Olympia.