Mythical creatures take the spotlight for the CCP anniversary
Mythical folk creatures like the kapre, aswang, nuno sa punso, tikbalang, diwata, and manananggal have found a new home at the Cultural Center of the Philippine as part of its 54th founding anniversary. The exhibit, made by Abdulmari De Leon-Imao Jr. is collectively entitled “Tanod-Lupa.”
“Tanod-Lupa” draws inspiration from pre-colonial elementals. The creatures on display are brought to life through the use of various materials: welded steel, ropes, and lanterns, beautifully illuminated with colorful LED lights.
“With themes like climate change and cultural promotion, it’s perfect for us to bring these creatures from folklore and mythologies to the forefront,” says Imao. “We are not the only inhabitants of our environment. We share it with other beings and creatures. Our ancestors remind us that we take good care of our environment lest these tanod-lupa come out to remind us of our shortcomings.”
Aside from the mythical display, visitors can also enjoy the Sinag 2023: Tuloy Ang Palabas son et lumiere (light, sound, and projection show). Beginning Sept. 29, viewers can expect to be bedazzled by a visual fare, conceptualized by CCP light designers Camille Balistoy, Danilo Villanueva, Louie Alcoran, and Shantie De Roca. The visual feast will be complemented by the playful and apocalyptic music by Soundridemusic and Makai-symphony, spliced by Jerry Tria. It will also be supplemented by fitting soundscapes designed by TJ Ramos.
The Sinag 2023 son et lumiere show at the CCP runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with shows at 30-minute intervals. “Tanod-Lupa” is free and open to the public from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., everyday except Monday.
Catch the opera on the big screen
Now’s your chance to enjoy the opera on the big screen next month as the Cultural Center of the Philippines offers a special screening of Umberto Giordano’s thrilling drama Fedora on Oct. 3 at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City. This is in line with the eighth season of the CCP’s The Met: Live in HD, a special program which showcases operatic productions through the high definition digital video technology and Dolby Sound, recreating the experience of watching a live opera production at the Met.
A love story filled with murder, revenge, and intrigue, the opera follows Princess Fedora in her quest to avenge her beloved Count. Without her knowledge, the count whom she is madly in love with has betrayed her with another woman, the wife of the alleged murderer. After meeting the murderer and hearing his confession, Fedora realizes she has fallen in love with the man who killed her betrothed. How will this complicated story unfold, and will Fedora find her happy ever after?
Fedora features a cast of electrifying voices, led by soprano Sonya Yoncheva, one of today’s most riveting artists, playing Fedora and star tenor Piotr Beczała singing Count Loris. Completing the cast are Rosa Feola as Olga, Piotr Beczala as Loris Ipanoff, and Lucas Meachem as De Siriex. Maestro Marco Armiliato conducts.
Director David McVicar delivers a detailed and dramatic staging based around an ingenious fixed set that, like a Russian nesting doll, unfolds to reveal the opera’s three distinctive settings – a palace in St. Petersburg, a fashionable Parisian salon, and a picturesque villa in the Swiss Alps.
Tickets are priced at ₱450.00. Students and young professionals may enjoy the screenings at ₱100.00 upon presentation of a valid ID. Tickets are available at Greenbelt ticket booths. www.sureseats.com.