UP Manila Dramatista (UPMD), the official theatre organization of the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), successfully held its third online play entitled ‘Apat Dapat’ on September 25, 2020. The production aspires to give its audience an in-depth and relatable perspective on the challenges and hardships of students while shifting to the ‘new normal’ in terms of education, family, and relationships posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is written by Rennie Teodoro, Eir Diaz and Erica Miranda, and directed by Rennie Teodoro.
This play, inspired by the premise of the famous Facebook group and the official co-presenter for this premiere, BIG FOUR Trashtalkan, revolves on the peri-pandemic lives of four students from the BIG FOUR universities: University of the Philippines Manila (UP), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), and De La Salle University (DLSU).
Coming from different walks of life, they cross paths upon joining an online blind dating event in the form of a four-way Zoom call in high hopes to find company while in quarantine.
The event is in line with the organization’s mission to provide an avenue for students to experience and showcase their love for theatre and the arts and its 10th anniversary theme ‘Lantaw’.
The production was staged online via Facebook Live on the official Facebook page of UP Manila Dramatista and BIG FOUR Trashtalkan group. Through this play, UPMD seeks to act as the voice of these students and their struggles as they continue to find solace in the company of others virtually.
