Articles - Middle Finger, straight theater play based on Spring Awakening.

An anti-Catholic play produced by a Catholic school.

Sat in the Ateneo Black Box once again to watch a modern days theater play. didn't know it was 70% in Philippine language and 30% in English, so that part was a little tough, tho good for my Tagalog ears' training.

It's a long play, around 2.5-3 hours with an intermission and it happens in a non conventional theater space, audience all around the scene and actors can be behind or infront of the audience.

This is the 2nd play I watch from this company and both directed by Mr. Ed Lacson. and I must say both were very brave and revolutionary.

Which speaks in favor of the Jesuits and their open mindness by producing these kind of plays that criticize the established Catholic upbringing of kids.

These are plays that make people think, that show that those values and fairy tales are old and terrible for a person's happiness and mental health as an adult.

Therefore I think the Catholic church might have a good chance of surviving yet if they take example of these Jesuits that promote critical thinking and seem to be adapting to logic and modern times.

Congrats to all the company and to the new artistic director of Tanghalan Ateneo company Mr. Glenn Sevilla Mas who stepped in as an impromptu actor to cover the absence of a cast member that day.

Guelan Luarca shall play the role of Jakob Rodriguez, a headstrong and rebellious adolescent boy trying hard to break away from the boundaries set for him by the adults in his life.

Joe-Nel Garcia shall play the role of Benjamin Lunga, the best friend of Jakob. As a conscientious average student, he only wants the good and simple things but is suddenly faced with the hard reality of life.

Brian Ramos plays the role of Yachin, the nerd of the group who tries to figure out a balance between his logical way of thinking and undoubting faith in God.

Gab Tibayan plays the artistic Wallace who had had the unfortunate luck of having birds nest in his hair.

Avie Alcantara plays Michael, the new American kid in school just trying to fit in with the rest of the boys.

Niki Calma portrays Myrna, a prostitute who serves as the ironic authority figure for Jakob, trying to teach him the intricacies of adult life.

Marjorie Lorico will essay the role of Mrs. Rodriguez, who stands as mother and moral compass for Jakob.

Joseph dela Cruz plays the role of Mr. Rodriguez, the unresponsive father figure in the Rodriguez household who seems to have given up with the challenges of life.

Dolly de Leon will play the role of Mrs. Lunga, the stoic mother of Benjamin Lunga who slowly loses to the world.

David Bianco will portray the role of the teacher, and Richard Cunanan shall play the pivotal role of the Counselor.

The ensemble is composed of Juella Bautista, who plays Celia, the quirky love interest of Yachin; Aih Mendoza playing Hilda Rodriguez, the older sister of Jakob who has left home; Soc delos Reyes as Preacher and White Figure and Jerome Flor playing the role of Mickey, the older brother of Yachin, who is driven to insanity by his physical appearance. Jay Caluag and Inna Abrogena will also make special appearances in minor roles.

The artistic team of MIDDLE FINGER is led by Glenn Sevilla Mas (Artistic Director and Company Moderator, Tanghalang Ateneo), Ed Lacson Jr. (Director and Production Designer), Teresa Barrozo (Sound Designer) and Meliton Roxas Jr. (Lights Designer).

The playdates of MIDDLE FINGER are as follows: August 1-2, 5-9, 12-16 and 19-22,2014. The play starts promptly at 7 p.m. Matinee shows start at 2 p.m. (Saturday).

All performances will be held at the Fine Arts Black Box Studio of the Ateneo de Manila University.

Tanghalang Ateneo originally staged ‘MIDDLE FINGER PO’ way back in 2006. Eight years thereafter, MIDDLE FINGER promises to be an incisive look at growing up and parenting in today's constantly negotiable moral climate with a new dose of contemporary sizzle.

For details of the show, please contact Acel Go at 0916-480-2195 or email: ta.mpc78@gmail.com.

Connect to Tanghalang Ateneo online through the following social media networks:

Website: www.tanghalangateneo.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TanghalangAteneo
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TAOfficial_
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/tanghalangateneo

Tanghalang Ateneo --- the 36th season. “Navigating Identities --- man’s exploration and need to find himself and his place in the world.”

See you at the theater !!!! (Photo Credits: Christine Chung)

Kuya Manzano, Spanish Filipino actor and singer, August 2014.