AFTER YEARS away from the physical stage, Tanghalang Ateneo returns with their first production, Tartuffe, o Ang Manloloko. Director Ron Capinding’s adaptation of Molière’s classic play by Rolando Tinio aims to reflect the societal hypocrisy and deceit of the modern world through classic literature.
Repulsive reflections
When Tartuffe (Yeshua Celebrado & alternate John Patrick Noynay) sneaks into Orgon’s (Jurgen Excel Coyoca) family home, he pretends to be a holy man so he can remain in the house.
The production raises a mirror towards the audience, making them ask questions about trust, vanity, and conformity. It successfully discusses a wide variety of ideas from blind fanaticism to prideful arrogance.
Tartuffe, o Ang Manloloko gradually reveals society’s underbelly through its central theme: liars who find their way on top. It achieves this by hammering on the comedic aspect of the play—creating caricatures of fraud that the audience is all too familiar with.
The decision to turn the non-speaking character, Flipote (Angelica Denise Dabon, & alternates Alexine Patrice Ramos and Erin Anthonie Ty), into an aside intentionally breaks the fourth wall and amplifies the story’s thematic and comedic beats.
The play’s deviations from the original translation also make it a scathing commentary on those who manipulate the truth for their own gain. All these changes were masterfully executed by Capinding, who ensured that the themes are ingrained in the audience’s head by the play’s end.
Restless restitution
A Tartuffe adaptation wouldn’t be complete without the actors who bring it to life. Yeshua Celebrado adds a certain sliminess to Tartuffe, which highlights the character’s worst characteristics in the best possible way. Maliana Beran’s performance as Dorine is also noteworthy—she shines as the family’s maid who sees through every single thing that Tartuffe does. Both actors achieving a presence on stage that feels like they’ve done this for decades.
All of the play’s visual elements harken back to its story and themes, creating a cohesive atmosphere. Made from recyclable materials, the set provides the play a unique visual style for the audience to witness. The costumes, which were a mix of beautiful weaves, duct tape, and bubble wrap, add to this effect. Capinding and Production Designer Tata Tuviera’s decision to take this direction is a laudable one. Set Head Julia Macuja, Costumes Head Trixie Dela Cruz, and Costumes Deputy Yshelle Fernandez then brought it to life wonderfully.
These achievements are all the more impressive knowing how Tanghalang Ateneo reached the final production. After the cancellation of their Top Girls adaptation, the company was faced with budgetary complications for their first onsite production. The artistic team found creative solutions that were easy on the pocket while not impeding artistic vision—all of which achieve Tanghalang Ateneo’s theme on their 44th season: reformation.
The artistic team’s decision to bring live guitar by Christian Mercader manages to create an immersive atmosphere, perfectly complementing the play’s visual elements. From the moment you first witness the set to the moment you hear the last note of the guitar, Tanghalang Ateneo’s efforts turn the theater into an entirely new world.
Roaring resurrection
Tanghalang Ateneo’s months of work all led to one thing—a resurrection. Tartuffe, o Ang Manloloko signifies the return not only of university theater, but also Filipino theater as a whole.
The manner in which Tanghalang Ateneo adapts a classic play to the modern era is nothing short of commendable. It proves that even the productions without large budgets can create hard-hitting experiences after the pandemic. Tanghalang Ateneo just showcased what the new generation of artists within the sphere of theater can do.
Tanghalang Ateneo gives us a glimpse of the future in the performing arts—it’s intelligent, it’s inventive, and it’s passionate. Tartuffe is an exciting step in a direction that brings artists who create art which not only entertains, but also engages you in thought about lies, truths, and the power that comes with it.