‘Buwan at Baril’ and the Marcos years

MANILA, Philippines – Theater-goers eager to revisit one of the most dramatic periods in Philippine history will want to see Ateneo ENTABLADO’s summer production, “Buwan at Baril.”

ENTABLADO, which stands for “Enterteynment para sa TAo, Bayan, LAnsangan, at DiyOs,” is a socio-political theater organization based in the Ateneo de Manila University.

“Buwan at Baril” (Moon and Gun) is a CCP Award-winning play written by Chris Mallado. It was first staged in 1985. Jethro Tenorio directs the ENTABLADO production. It will be shown at the Fine Arts Theatre in ADMU.

Living history

True to the theater organization’s mission to take on socio-political themes, their latest production is about the turbulent Marcos era and is meant as a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.’s assassination on August 21, 1983.

“Buwan at Baril” depicts the reality of the Marcos years by looking through the eyes of 8 characters, each representative of a class, demographic, or group.

There is the Magsasaka (farmer) and the Manggagawa (laborer) who prepare for the Martsang Bayan (People’s March) separately. A Pari (Priest) and a Babaeng Itawis (a woman from the Ibanag tribe) then embody the consequences of a shared tragedy.

A middle-class Socialite prepares for a rally in an attempt to uphold her political beliefs. A bereaved Asawa (wife) dreads the confirmation of her husband’s death. In a police station, an Estudyante (student) is suspected of being a subversive and is questioned by an Interogeytor (interrogator) who was once a rebel himself.

“Buwan at Baril” is not only a reminder of a violent past but a call for unity amidst diversity. The play also touches the very roots of ENTABLADO as the group grew out of the street theater movement spawned by the Marcos years. – Rappler.com

The show runs on May 9, 10, 14, and 15 at 5pm and 7:30pm, and May 11 at 10am, 1:30pm, 4pm, and 7:30pm at the Fine Arts Theatre, Ateneo de Manila University. For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact Kessa Pichay (0915-9479061), Athena Cartagena (0935-9105123), or Via Cardano (0926-5523319).