‘Alunsina’ Mediartrix’s first production with original songs

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Mediartrix performs its Visayan mythology-inspired musical “Alunsina,” which opened last Jan. 30 at the Albertus Magnus auditorium. (Photo by Mark Darius M. Sulit/The Varsitarian)

MEDIARTRIX, UST’s musical theater organization, performed original compositions for its Visayan mythology-inspired musical “Alunsina,” which opened last Jan. 30 at the Albertus Magnus auditorium.

“We have always adapted songs, but this time we took the risk and created our own. Almost half of the songs [used] were original; as a matter of fact, the composers were the ones playing the instruments,” said Monica Divino, director of the production.

The original compositions include “Lumisan,” “On the way,” “Tahan na” and “Panaginip.”

The production was made in collaboration with Musikat, a popular music organization in the University.

The musical revolves around an indigenous deity, Alunsina, who struggles to find the path to her true purpose.

The musical was based on a stage play written by Rachel Hester and Marty Agustin, taken from Visayan mythology.

“Everybody can relate to Alunsina, how she does not know the worth of her life in the beginning… When people believed [in] her, put [their] faith in her, she started to believe in herself as well,” Hester said.

The musical also tackled women empowerment.

Director Divino wanted the set to be as authentic as possible, using indigenous Filipino symbols and clothing.

“The costumes were inspired by pre-colonial Visayan clothing, hence the tattoos and gold accessories,” Divino said.

“Alunsina” runs until Feb. 9.

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