The very first Bulwagang Gantimpala production, Katipunan, Mga Anak ng Bayan, pulsates with new life, as a special touring production, under the direction of Joel Lamangan and Jun Pablo.
The musical theater production acquaints modern viewers to the short life and turbulent times of the working class revolutionary Andres Bonifacio and his wife, Gregoria “Oryang” de Jesus. It illustrates the evolution of the mass-based revolutionary organization, the role of women in the struggle, the internal conflicts that weakened it and gives the audiences the lessons from the struggles and triumphs of the Great Plebian.
Artistic director Joel Lamangan says, “Katipunan is my comeback to Gantimpala Theater. It is the first play I joined in Bulwagang Gantimpala, when the late Tony Espejo was still establishing it at the CCP It is really my coming back, it’s a full circle.”
“We try to make it as relevant as now, in terms of music and movement,” adds Joel Lamangan. “This is all sung thru. It is fast and tiring, yes, but this young people, they are doing it very well.”
He carries on, “This is so challenging because I am doing both choreography and direction, with Jun Pablo (GT Chair and President) helping me to polish every thing as we go along.”
“We promise the audiences a very exciting and dynamic musical theater production about the life of Andres Bonifacio. I am sure that people of all ages will appreciate what we are offering,” ends Joel Lamangan.
Playing major roles are Sandino Martino as Andres Bonifacio, Anna Fegi as Gregoria de Jesus, RJ Jimenez as Emilio Jacinto, with Brent Manzano, Allan Joseph Padilla and Vera Capiral as the Mga Tagapagsalaysay.
Script by Bonifacio Ilagan. Lyrics by Jose Jeffrey Camañag, Music by RJ Jimenez. Set Design by Sonny Aniceto. Production and stage manager is Cicey Alejo.
Touring performances are slated on August 22, 23 & 24, (Bren Guiao, San Fernando, Pampanga), August 29 (Dagupan, Pangasinan), August 31 (Tarlac), September 7 (Biñan, Laguna), September 13 & 14 (Dagupan, Pangasinan), September 20 (San Carlos City, Pangasinan), and October 4 (Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium).
Metro Manila shows are being scheduled for November and December.
Katipunan, Mga Anak ng Bayan is fully supported by the National Parks Development Committee, Everbilena, Skin Sanctuary, and ACES and PROS.
For tickets, block buying and sponsorships, call the Gantimpala Marketing Office at 998-5622/872-0261. You may also visit www.facebook.com/gantimpala. Follow us on twitter @gantimpala_tf.