MANILA, Philippines – The theme of Dulaang UP’s 41st season is brought to life by its opening production, “Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan”, Guelan Varela-Luarca’s Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. The production not only resonates the theme of the season but also serves as a commemoration of the great playwright William Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary.
“Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan” merges the glorious past and the present-day era into a narrative of mistaken identities, loves lost and found, families gone astray and made whole again. The play revolves around a father named Egeon who is in search of his identical twin sons who were separated from him in a shipwreck that happened a long time ago. He visits the city of Ephesus for this search without knowing that one of his missing sons, Antipholus of Syracuse is also visiting the city. His other son, Antipholus of Ephesus is a prominent citizen in Ephesus, and the presence of his two identical twin sons in the city leads to confusion, and yes, a comedy of errors. Characters are mistaken for one another without disguises or the intent for pretensions which leads to chaos and confusion but ultimately ends with revelations, forgiveness, and felicity.
Alexander Cortez, known for his deft handling of Shakespearean plays (DUP’s Macbeth and Richard III), directs the play. The production boasts of a formidable and talented artistic team: Judy Ick (dramaturgy), Gino Gonzales (costume design), Ohm David (set design), Meliton Roxas Jr. (technical direction and lighting design), Jethro Joaquin (sound supervision), Arvy Dimaculangan (sound design) PJ Rebullida (choreography), Winter David (video design), Jojit Lorenzo (photography), Pow Santillan (art direction for photography and poster design) and Jean Edfhel Pascual (dramaturg – assistant).
“Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan” runs from August 24 to September 11, 2016 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City.
For ticket, sponsorship, and show buying inquiries, contact Arkel Mendoza (0908 814 9975), Joshua Chan (0917 677 5141), Zia Parcon (0915 338 5227) or email dulaangupmarketing at gmail.com. You may also call the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 433-7840, 981-8500 local 2449.