Watch Dulaang UP’s dark comedy “The Reconciliation Dinner” from November 18-20; Tickets available via Ticket2Me

After two years, Dulaang UP raises its curtains again to welcome audiences back into the theater with its 45th Theatre Season dubbed as BALIKWAS: Tanaw. Tugon. Tindig. Season opener THE RECONCILIATION DINNER is a new one-act play by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter M. Santos. This dark comedy headlined by Stella Cañete-Mendoza and Frances Makil-Ignacio will be available for on-site viewing at the University Theater Main Hall Stage in UP Diliman from November 18 to 20, and video-on-demand online streaming via Ticket2Me.

A gala benefit performance is slated on November 20, 7:30 PM to help jumpstart the company’s return to live performance and renovate DUP’s home theater, the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater. Proceeds will also go to efforts in institutionalizing the Antonio O. Mabesa Digital Archives of production scripts, video and photo documentation, and other theatre electronic resources. Heeding the call to remember, respond, and resist, DUP aims to preserve the legacy of its pillars and be responsive to the changes of the times.

THE RECONCILIATION DINNER follows the lives of close family friends – the Medinas and the Valderamas – who are forced to confront their personal differences amid the looming political turmoil in the Philippines. The one-act play opens with an intimate dinner at the Medinas in 2016. It was a get-together no different from all their past dinners until tension ensued with a fervid conversation about then-president Rodrigo Duterte’s policies and leadership style. Red flags swept under the rug, both families agree to keep the personal away from the political for the sake of preserving the friendship they have built over the years. The dinner ends with dessert, a ceasefire, and a civil war waiting to happen.

The succeeding years under the Duterte administration further reveal both families’ opposing views. Social media timelines turn into arenas for direct and indirect political bardagulan that slowly but incisively tarnish their relationships. Now at the cusp of the most polarizing national elections in recent history, the families’ political colors have been made Facebook Official. Lines have clearly been drawn inevitably leading to more digital tirades and more emotional dents. But before entirely severing ties, just as the dust from the elections had settled, a personal tragedy found a way to get the Medinas and the Valderamas all together again. The play culminates with a reunion – a reconciliation dinner – to heal, move on, and leave the remnants of the war behind.

With priced relationships on the line, how far are they willing to sacrifice their principles and ideals? And for what price?

CAST

Stella Cañete Mendoza – Dina Medina
Frances Makil Ignacio – Susan Valderama
Randy Medel Villarama – Bert Medina
Jojo Cayabyab – Fred Valderama
Nelsito Gomez – Ely
Hariette Mozelle – Mica
Phi Palmos – Norby

ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION TEAM
Floy Quintos – Playwright
Dexter M. Santos – Director
Charles Yee – Set Designer
Mitoy Sta. Ana – Costume Designer
Loren Rivera – Technical Director and Lights Designer
Arvy Dimaculangan – Sounds Designer
Steven Tansiongco – Video and Poster Designer
Marvin Olaes – Dramaturg
Davidson Oliveros – Dramaturg
Mikko Angeles – Assistant Director
Jojit Lorenzo – Photographer
Joshua Caesar Chan – Production Manager
Rico Angelo Blanco – Stage Manager

PLAYDATES
November 18 (Friday), 7:30 PM
November 19, (Saturday), 10:30 AM
November 19 (Saturday), 3:00 PM
November 19 (Saturday), 7:30 PM
November 20 (Sunday), 10:30 AM
November 20 (Sunday), 3:00 PM
November 20 (Sunday), 7:30 PM

TICKETS
Tickets are available via Ticket2Me. Visit this link: https://ticket2me.net/e/36022

Showbuyers’ Information:
For the November 19, (Saturday), 10:30 AM show, contact Cj Barinaga (09954077610) or Ivan Rivera (09171897171).

For the November 20, (Sunday), 10:30 AM show, contact Ms. Carmen Silverio Roxas (0969 298 9946 | [email protected]) for the benefit of Angat Buhay Foundation.

For THE RECONCILIATION DINNER ticket inquiries and sponsorship, you may email us at [email protected] or message our Facebook Page: Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP Official Page).