Recently, I was invited to the launch of "WALANG KUKURAP", the highly controversial play of Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) and Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) resident theater company. Though the venue was far from my humble abode, I told myself I have to attend the event, so i could witness for the first time how a press conference for a play would be. Besides, the title of the play itself was intriguing.
The launch was attended by the cast members, media practitioners, bloggers, friends, and supporters of the play at Aristocrat Restaurant at Roxas Boulevard. The press con turned out to be similar to a movie launch, but the experience proved to be more exciting because the cast actually performed some of the scenes for us. And based on what I saw, I have no doubt that the play would be a big hit in the weeks to come.
Written by Ms Layeta Bucoy and directed by Mr Tuxqs Rutaquio,
"Walang Kukurap" is a play inspired by Article 11 Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states that public office is a public trust. Article 11 basically means that every public officer and employee must at all times, be accountable to the people; serve the people with integrity, responsibility, loyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice ,and lead a modest life.
The playwrights were also enlivened by the ideas of a blogger named Christopher Bonoan, whose blog, "Discourses of a Free Mind", is aimed primarily to "ventilate current political and legal issues (mostly constitutional issues) confronting our nation".
WALANG KUKURAP is a socio-political commentary that should be seen by every Filipino who is curious and at the same time concerned about the moral status and direction of our country . It shows not only how dark the Filipino politician's soul can get but also how a Filipino family fights back when their convictions and principles are tested.
The play pounds away in search of answers, exposing and attacking the corruption in our nation in various ways. It will surely challenge our moral, emotional, and philosophical views about our society.
Bucoy and Rutaquio explained that the play is aptly titled WALANG KUKURAP since you should never blink an eye when watching it because you just might miss an important detail being unraveled before you. It is also a wordplay using the Filipino slang for corrupt, which is KURAP.
The playwrights said they had to go through seven drafts before they came up with the final one. However tedious the whole process might have been, it turned out to be the best collaboration based on first hand experience of the writers and other contributors.
The play features veteran and competent theater actors like Suzette Ranillo, Sherry Lara, Mymy Davao, Crispin Pineda, Pewee O'Hara, Lou Veloso, Ding Navarro, Nar Cabico and Delphine Buencamino. They are supported by Tanghalang Pilipino's homegrown talents - Actors Company led by Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viana, Regina de Vera, Nicolo Magno, Ralph Mateo, Remus Villanueva, Doray Dayao, April Joy Inigo, and Jovanni Cadag.
Gloc -9, the famous rapper whose songs focus on social issues and injustices, will also be featured on special dates and will surely add star power to the cast.
You can watch "Walang Kukurap" starting September 14- October 7, on Fridays (8PM), Saturdays (3PM/8PM) and Sundays (3PM). For more details, visit Tanghalang Pilipino's official website: tanghalangpilipino.org.ph or call 632-832-1125 locals 1620/1621 or 639177500107 and TicketWorld 632-891-999.
