"Pagmaya. Pagsangli" is an Artistang Artlets production and a part of their Seniors' Theatre Literacy Program. It was directed by Maria Cathrina Aquino and managed by Marie Lilac Guinevere Yson. Written by Romayne Humiwat and Kyte Villanueva, we are introduced to the world of Mokiti, where the arts are prohibited by law. We follow four friends as they use art to inspire change in a world deprived of it.
WELCOME, YOU ARE NOW ENTERING MOKITI
As the afternoon prepares for its curtain call, the warm rays of fleeting sunshine outside the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex are blocked by the intimidating aura outside the auditorium. There are red signages that bore the words: "BANNED" and ushers who wore black and a strict face watching your every move; suddenly, that small area became part of the dystopian world of Mokiti. The front of the house already immerses us in this world devoid of art. Constantly reminding theatergoers of the basic theater etiquette and that no form of art is allowed. They never smiled; I imagine that is what the absence of art does to a person. Overall, it adds to the feeling of oppression of expression, which is similar to the play's plot. Upon the auditorium, the set designs that greet the audience upon entry are simple; however, they evoke a sense of mystery within the audience, making us eager for its reveal; this, alongside the captivating music and lights throughout the play, served as windows to each character's emotions.
As you watch the play, you can't help but be reminded of stories such as George Orwell's 1984 and Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, which tackle similar issues of suppression of expression in society. "Pagmaya, Pagsangli" is up to par with these dystopian novels when it comes to story and writing, but it is further enhanced as they were performed by the talented cast, who did a great job of bringing the characters in the stories to the stage. I find it brilliant that the main characters are interchangeable by both male and female performers as it highlights that sex and gender do not affect the themes of the play, one of which is positive change. It shows that leadership is not bound to one sex or gender and that positive change originates from an individual's willingness to be the change needed.
ART IS AN AVENUE FOR CHANGE
“..So gusto namin na mapakita na because of art andami niyang pagbabago na pwedeng madala siya sa buhay mo and like its showing na a world devoid of art is yun sobrang matamlay, and ang art is something na is positive for everyone, like its universal siya.” - Romayne Humiwat, on writing “Pagmaya, Pagsangli”
One of Artistang Artlet's themes for this year is striving for positive change. This theme served as the lifeblood of the production and is reflected in the play itself. The play reminds the audience that art is loud, noisy, and explosive. The very nature of art is never silent and, hence, can never be silenced. Art is a celebration of life; removing it is taking the opportunity of a lived life. Furthermore, the play shows how art is a weapon for the oppressed; however, it does not destroy nor kill but builds and nurtures. Alas, this is the gift of "Pagmaya, Pagsangli" to its audience.
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