Rizal

‘Noli Me Tangere’ opera
coming to Manila
MANILA, Philippines
– A different
version of
the classic Noli
Me Tangere will
soon be showing
in the Philippines
– this
time, in opera
form.
The intimate gathering held last week, hosted
by director Freddie Santos, gave audiences a look at the
production. Guests were regaled with the powerful voices
of local opera group Primo Vera. The venue was also
abuzz with eager anticipation for the main event: songs
performed from the original opera.
Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis, the mastermind behind
the bringing of the opera to the Philippines, was also in
attendance. Through the passion and dedication of Lewis,
along with executive producer, costume and set designer
Jerry Sibal, and assistant executive producer Edwin Josue,
Manila will soon have the pleasure of seeing a classic story
from Philippine history retold through a different medium.
The story of Noli is one that Filipinos know all too well,
from Crisostomo Ibarra’s discoveries after his return to
the country, the sad fate of the unfortunate Sisa, to the
truth about Crisostomo’s love, Maria Clara. Set in the
Spanish occupation, Rizal’s novel tells of the cancer that
plagued society, and what actions can spark a revolution
for change.
This operatic rendition breathes new life into Jose
Rizal’s masterpiece. “It’s an opera made in the same spirit
of Verdi, of Puccini, of Bernini. Grand opera in the Italian
style,” Lewis said. The difference? It is sung entirely in Filipino.
The brainchild of two national artists, the Noli opera
boasts music composed by Felipe de Leon and libretto by
Guillermo Tolentino.
Lewis first had the idea to bring the production
to New York after attending the 100-year celebration of
Felipe de Leon in Chicago last year.
“They were singing in Tagalog and napakaganda. (It was
so beautiful.) It touched my heart, and I said, ‘This cannot
stay in Chicago. I have to bring it to New York because if
it didn’t happen in New York, it didn’t happen,’” she says.
And so it happened. Lewis, Sibal, and Josue successfully
staged the Noli Me Tangere Opera in New York. It sold out
all the three days that it ran, and was even reviewed by
the New York Times.
The opera intends to showcase the world-class
talent of its Filipino cast. From the moment director Freddie
Santos introduced the first performance by the ensemble
from the US production, guests were immediately
treated to the unique feel of the opera, from the traditional
costumes to the fluid lyrics in Filipino. Noteworthy also,
was the solo performance of soprano Kirby Asunto, who
played the pivotal role of Basilio, Sisa’s son.
Noli Me Tangere Opera will once again play out
on Philippine stage in September
2014 at Resorts World Manila’s
Newport Performing Arts Center.
Freddie Santos will direct, with
Camille Lopez Molina at the helm
as vocal master. The team will stage
21 straight shows, a feat unheard of
in the opera world.
“This cannot be done with
the same cast every night,” Santos
says, “The amount of actors coming
from abroad is very minimal.” With
plans to have two alternate groups
of 40 actors each, the team is in
search of more talent. Open auditions
will be held on May 2 (4pm),
and May 3 (11am). Actors must
come prepared to sing an aria from
the Noliopera, or an aria of their
choice if they are unfamiliar with
songs from the production.
With the Philippines soon
to be checked off the list, the team
will next stage the production in
Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center.
“It is now high time that the Philippines
take its proper place,” Lewis
explains, “We are not only economically
no longer the sick man of
Asia. We are the new tiger, but we
have to show the world that we are
also world class artists.” Sibal adds,
“We are trying to put this Noli Me
Tangere Opera in the world so that
the international opera companies
could adapt this and present this all
over the world.” – Rappler.com
Tributes
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