After the success of Nanay Bangis and Mga Anak ng Unos, Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) returns to the stage by paying tribute to its founder and National Artist for Theater Antonio ‘Tony’ Mabesa. The tribute, titled Para kay Tony: Tungo sa Ginintuang Alaala, is a twin bill showcasing two productions that capture the spirit of Dulaang UP’s nearly five-decade history.

The first half of the twin bill is a staging of Kalahating Oras sa Isang Kumbento by legendary Filipino playwright Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero as translated by Lilia F. Antonio. The story follows Yolanda, a student at a convent school, who seeks comfort and companionship after being expelled.

UP Diliman Theatre Arts student Lloyd Sarmiento Uy serves as director, alongside director-mentor Erika Estacio. The cast includes Kris Caaya, Rona Lynne, Jan Magcaling, Paulyn Abando, Janna Talampas, Gena Suelto, and Sheryll Ceasico.

The second play in Para kay Tony features National Artist Rolando Tinio’s May Katwiran ang Katwiran. The plot centers on Senyor, a wealthy haciendero who persuades his servant to join him on a journey across the mountains. Along the way, they encounter obstacles that threaten their survival. The staging is led by Theatre Arts student MJ Briones with director-mentor Charles Yee. Acting in the play are Francheska Andaya, Julianne Quimio, Akin Cullarin, Pat Ebro, Kerr Allen, Camille Fabian, and Daniel Duplon.

Para Kay Tony is part of Dulaang UP’s 48th theatre season “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?” The season is part of a multi-year initiative building to Dulaang UP’s 50th anniversary. Since its inception in 1976, Dulaang UP has been staging classic and experimental plays while providing a platform of artistic expression for the UP Diliman community.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Catch Para Kay Tony at the IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman, on the following dates:

• November 15, 22, and 29 (2:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
• November 20, 21, 27, and 28 (7:30 PM)
• November 16, 23, and 30 (10:30 AM & 2:30 PM)

Tickets are priced at Php 1000 each and can be purchased through TicketMelon at [bit.ly/DUPParaKayTony].

Interested patrons may also buy tickets onsite at the Dulaang UP Office at Pavilion 3, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. UP students, faculty, and staff can enjoy a discounted rate of Php 500.

If you’re interested in sponsoring student beneficiaries to watch Para Kay Tony, you may check [bit.ly/DUP48_PKT_SponsorADreamer] for inquiries.

For further information, contact dulaangup.marketing.upd@up.edu.ph. Sponsorship inquiries such as audience sponsorship and bulk tickets may be addressed to Ms. Anna Gamboa through the same email or through dulaangup_sponsorship.upd@up.edu.ph.

Dulaang UP may also be reached through phone at (02) 898 18500 loc 2449.