Since its establishment in 1987, Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) has presented hundreds of critically acclaimed productions that promote Philippine culture and history. This year, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) opened its 38th season with “Balete”, the stage adaptation of the novel “Tree” by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose.
Set in Rosales, Pangasinan, “Balete” follows the story of Francisco, or Kiko, as he looks back on his childhood, his relationship with his father, Don Espiridion, and his gradual awakening to the plight of the poor farmers in his hometown, who are left at the mercy of big landlords.
Chris Millado’s masterful direction, combined with Rody Vera’s script, originally written in 2002 for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), creates a narrative that mirrors the feudal conditions Filipino peasants face today and their ongoing struggle for genuine land reform. The balete tree serves as the silent witness to the deep-rooted and age-old problems of social inequality and class exploitation perpetuated by an unjust system that favors the ruling elite.
At the center of the production is the award-winning actor Nonie Buencamino, who delivers a powerful and one-of-a-kind performance that leaves the audience in awe with his brilliant portrayal of the narrator, child Kiko, and Don Espiridion while fluidly shifting between all three roles instantaneously and almost effortlessly. It is easily one of the best live performances I have ever seen.
Marco Viaรฑa, Jonathan Tadioan, Toni Go-Yadao, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, Earvin Estioco, Ynna Rafa, and the very promising Gelo Molina complete the ensemble cast.
Using devised theater, in which artists collaboratively develop a performance from scratch, “Balete” invites the audience to an unforgettable experience that will redefine your expectations of theater.
The play is especially worth watching as the country observes Peasant Month in October.
“Balete” will run from Fridays to Sundays at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in Pasay City until October 6.
Daniel is an avid lover of music and films. While most people his age would spend their leisure time playing online games, he enjoys creating playlists and movie lists. Daniel has also written opinion pieces for various publications. He studied Political Science at Adamson University and is currently an associate at the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation. He would never say no to a cold beer!