The Tagalized production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” originally produced as part of the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series, returns to the stage through Intramuros Evenings on December 9, 6pm, at the Baluarte de San Diego inside the Intramuros, Manila.
“After its successful comeback with Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, Intramuros Evenings continues to delight with another CCP production, ‘Ang Kasal ni Figaro.’ We are grateful for this partnership with CCP as we relaunched our program. You can look forward to good programming that showcases the best of the Philippine arts and culture while promoting historical landmarks inside the Walled City,” said Intramuros Administration head Atty. Joan M. Padilla.
Intramuros Evenings, which was first held in 1996, used to feature performances from CCP resident companies such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), Ballet Philippines, and Tanghalang Pilipino. Its recent revival paved the way for the CCP to once again feature the best of Philippine artists and performing groups through their long standing partnership.
“Ang Kasal ni Figaro” follows the resourceful servant Figaro as he and his betrothed Suzanne prepare for their wedding. In a comedic journey to happy-ever-after, the couple faces several attempts of Count Almaviva to prevent the marriage. Amid various hurdles, suspicions, and intrigues, will the couple finally find their happy ending?
The libretto of “The Marriage of Figaro” was written by Lorenzo da Ponte, based on The Figaro Trilogy by French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais.
“Ang Kasal ni Figaro” features stellar performances by Bianca Camille Aguila, Roxy Aldiosa, Diego Aranda, Angeli Benipayo, Ruzzel Clemeno, Nerissa de Juan, Roby Malubay, Nomher Nival, Noel Rayos, Jonathan Tadioan, and Floyd Tena, with stage direction by Jaime del Mundo.
Farley Asuncion takes charge of the music direction, with Ohm David for set design, Raqs Regalado for costumes, Rards Corpus for sound, Rommel Serrano for hair & make-up styling, and D Cortezano for lighting.
CCP Vice President/Artistic Director Dennis N. Marasigan did the translation for this production, aiming to make opera more accessible to Filipino audiences.
“True to the concept of the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series, which aims to present performances that audiences normally wouldn’t see in conventional programming, this re-staging of Ang Kasal ni Figaro would give a unique twist to what the opera we know. With its minimal set design and technical requirement, we are able to produce opera to create new awareness and further appreciation to this art form,” said Marasigan.
With a shared goal to promote the Philippine brand and strengthen national identity while helping in national development, the CCP and IA continue to collaborate to preserve what is inherently Filipino and celebrate the best of the best in performing arts through Intramuros Evenings.
Catch the second installment of Intramuros Evenings, featuring the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series: “Ang Kasal ni Figaro,” on December 9, 2023, 6pm, at Baluarte de San Diego, Intramuros. The show is free to the public. Entrance fee to Baluarte de San Diego is priced at Php 75, with discounted price of Php 50 for students, senior citizens, and PWDs.
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