Let us imagine an exhausted, nervous and impoverished Jose Rizal in Paris, finishing the second novel. He rooms with Tunying Ibañez, an Illustrado rake and never-do-well. It is through Tunying’s eyes and imagination that this version of Fili takes place. He is transformed to Simoun, the jeweler who in turn manipulates Juli, Basilio, Kabesang Tales, the Friars Irene Salvi and Camorra, and the Governor-General in his desire for revenge and the rescue of the ravaged Maria Clara.
Isang Panaginip na Fili, a new musical play of the immortal El Filibusterismo, is a radical adaptation that unravels the dark side of Rizal and his struggles in completing his second novel. A libretto and direction by Floy Quintos, original score by CJ Javier, choral direction by Cholo Gino, music arrangement by Jason Quitane, set design by Tuxqs Rutaquio, costume design by Faust Peneyra, costume supervision by Carlo Pagunaling sound design by Brian Arda, lights design by Luther Gumia, choreography by Van Manalo, photography by Jojit Lorenzo and poster design by Paolo Santillan, under the artistic guidance by the Dulaang UP’s founding artistic director, Tony Mabesa. Cast includes Franco Laurel, Joel Molina, Eric dela Cruz, Meynard Peñaloza, Onyl Torres, Jacques Borlaza, Greg De Leon, Stella Cañete, Peter Serrano, Ces Quesada, Emlyn Santos, JC Santos, JM De Guzman, Mica Pineda, Delphine Buencamino, Astarte Abraham and the Dulaang UP ensemble.
Isang Panaginip na Fili, a new musical opens on September 10 and will run until September 28, 2008 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd Floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. For more information, call Dulaang UP office at (02) 926-13-49/ (02) 920-53-01 loc. 6441 or contact Luz de Luna at 09176206224/
