Theater company offers Tacloban aid ‘beyond relief goods’

Vince Tañada (Photo by Bhenj Agustin)

Philippine Stagers Foundation and Career Executive Service Board are behind “Project Paglaom” in the Visayas for activities such as counseling and workshops.

“Lagi nating sinasabi, ‘relief goods, relief goods…’ and while that is very important, mahalaga din yung kung ano’ng gagawin natin after that. We will be handling workshops for the kids, at may kasama kaming mga psychiatrists kasi yung kanilang mental health, yun din ang kailangan asikasuhin after ng loss,” Philippine Stagers Foundation Head Vince Tañada said in an interview.

The company also plans to perform “Bonifacio Isang Sarswela” there for free, and perhaps excerpts from “Pedro Calungsod D’ Muuuzzziiikkkaaalll,” both catering to the youth in terms of storytelling and perspective.

Tanada feels these shows will resonate especially to those affected by the calamity since these are about personages whom they can look up to. He claims that the two musicals have the support of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

Asked to define “hero” in light of the tragedy and in step with the times, Tañada said that it is anyone who tries to uplift lives and inspire people to do the same.

“Through ordinary means, we can be heroes. There are a lot of living Filipino heroes.”

Tañada prefers taking on stories of real people cast in a different perspective, usually “humanized.” In the case of national hero Andres Bonifacio, he wants people to not only learn from history but to understand that he’s a person with his own successes, failures, trials and everything in between. Whether he uses artistic license or not, there is always “truth” in his depictions, albeit subjective and controversial at times.

“We always say that Bonifacio is matapang, palaban. Kaya nga tayo may kasabihan na ‘Bonifacio, aputol a daliri, hindi atakbo…’ But you know, he experienced a lot of physical, psychological and emotional pain. Very vulnerable si Bonifacio. Umiiyak din siya.”

He feels exposing the truth—even if difficult to do—is important for national healing.

“We should not repeat history, but learn from it. Dapat nating tandaan na si Bonifacio ay pinapatay because of a bad political system during that time. Politics iyan…

“At hanggang ngayon, ganun pa rin. Wala tayong natutunan sa buhay ni Bonifacio. “

“Bonifacio Isang Sarswela,” described as a story of struggle, deception and fight for freedom, will run till March 2014.

Theater company offers Tacloban aid ‘beyond relief goods’

Source: Mb.com.ph (December 02, 2013 at 12:25PM)

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