As part of its 80th anniversary celebration, the UST Conservatory of Music staged a production of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “South Pacific,” at the Proscenium Theater on Feb. 21 and 22.
Amid World War II on a remote South Pacific island, the story of “South Pacific” unfolds as American nurse Nellie Forbush (Ciara Sotto) falls in love with French plantation owner Emile de Becque (Jose Vera Perez), despite the fact that he has mixed-race children.
The classic musical explored the underlying racial prejudice against Asian and Polynesian people evident during World War II.
The Conservatory of Music was founded against the backdrop of the Second World War, much like the setting of “South Pacific.” Staging a play that reflects the era’s sociopolitical climate offers valuable context about the Conservatory’s own foundation.
Additionally, almost 80 years later, the themes of “South Pacific” still remain relevant today as prejudice against race becomes an increasingly global issue.
Director Paolo O’Hara attempts to distinguish this show from its predecessors by taking a flashback approach to Nellie’s memories.
However, the flashback format felt unnecessary to the storyline and, at times, poorly executed, making it difficult for the audience to understand its purpose in the production.
The production also chose to reframe the conflict between Lt. Joseph Cable (Sean Nolasco), a US Marine officer, and Liat (Erika Salas), a young local, shifting the story’s focus from a racial to a prostitution-based perspective. However, the lack of lines from Cable did not justify the change.
Nonetheless, it is still a superb production from the Conservatory, especially from the live musical scores of the UST Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Daniel Bartolome.
Participating Music students from the ensemble stole the spotlight with their captivating vocals and engaging stage presence.
The Conservatory’s commitment to artistic excellence is definitely demonstrated in this production of “South Pacific.” I.D.A. Manansala
