TEATRO Tomasino tackled the importance of decision-making in the first production of its 42nd season, “Baka Sakali,” which opened at the Engineering Conference Hall of the Roque Ruaño Building last Oct. 17.
The twin-bill production featured “Habulan sa Pagitan ng mga Maliliit na Kamay ni Kamatayan,” written by two-time Palanca Awardee Jay Crisostomo IV and “Kublihan,” written by Jerome Ignacio.
Director Patrick Demition, a communication arts student, emphasized that the choices we make will affect our lives and the things we do.
“Once you’ve made your decision, that’s it,” Demition told the Varsitarian. “The best thing we can do as humans is to live with it and find another way to make up for it.”
“Habulan” revolved around two male characters in conflict with the feelings they have for each other. The characters long to reunite with each other through their various lifelines, but are met by tragic ends.
Actor and dramaturge Eudes Garcia, a 2014 journalism alumnus, made use of a minimalist setup with only two chairs and a black sheet to cover up the stage.
Vibrant hues of blue, green, violet, red and white lights illuminated the stage in each scene to set the mood in each segment.
“It’s part practical and aesthetic. We let the audience imagine the rest of the setting,” Garcia said.
“Kublihan” tells the story of two high school students, with the younger freshman having feelings for a graduating senior.
The stage setup was composed of leaves scattered across the stage and one bench.
Actor Ron Villarea, a communication arts student, said that art has no limits.
“I want to send a message, I want to be brave, I want to inspire,” Villarea said.
“Baka Sakali” ran until Oct. 19.
