Tanghalang Ateneo brings together Shakespeare’s tragedy and elements of Filipino culture to the themes of profound love and undying hope for the Filipino audience.
Over a decade since Sintang Dalisay’s first run in 2011, Tanghalang Ateneo will once again present the classic Romeo and Juliet adaptation. In partnership with Areté, Sintang Dalisay 2024 is a fresh take on the award-winning production adapted and originally directed by the late Dr. Ricardo G. Abad, and will be staged at Areté’s 840-seater Hyundai Hall beginning July 6.
Guelan Varela-Luarca, co-director and playwright of this run, shares, “Ricardo Abad passed away late last year, midway through preparations for the restaging of Sintang Dalisay. Today, we carry his legacy and passion for the performing arts. This staging is our tribute to Ricky and a manifestation of all the triumphs and trials, and the pure love that have endured throughout all of its restaging.”
Since Tanghalang Ateneo’s 33rd season, the production has toured internationally to Belarus (2012), Taiwan (2014), Vietnam (2016), and Malaysia (2017). This year marks the beginning of Tanghalang Ateneo’s 46th season aptly themed “The Ricardo Abad Season.”
Sintang Dalisay follows the story of Rashiddin and Jamila, two lovers from the feuding families of the Mustaphas and Kalimuddins. Set in an imaginary Muslim community, Rashiddin and Jamila must navigate their love amid a long-standing conflict between their families.
Sintang Dalisay is performed through the Igal, a traditional dance form of the Sama-Bajau, and is accompanied by neo-ethnic and gamelan music. With this, the production brings together Shakespeare’s tragedy and elements of Filipino culture, translating its themes of profound love and undying hope for the Filipino audience.
The cast features a mix of industry professionals and current members of Tanghalang Ateneo, including Mitzie Lao (Mula Sa Buwan, 2022), Jerome Dawis (Dekada ‘70, 2020), and Yani Lopez (Sa Babaeng Lahat, Virgin Labfest, 2024). The production will also feature direction by Dr. Ricardo Abad and Guelan Luarca, with assistant direction and movement by Matthew Santamaria, music by Edru Abraham, Jayson “Dyandi” Gildore, and Rhea Dagnalan, and production design by Tata Tuviera and the late National Artist Salvador Bernal.
Sintang Dalisay will run from July 6 to 20, with 2 pm shows on July 6 to 7, 12 to 14, and 18 to 20, and 7:30 pm shows on July 6 to 7, 13 to 14, and 19 to 20. Tickets start at P850 and may be purchased through Ticket2Me or through Tanghalang Ateneo’s direct ticketing form. For interested showbuyers, you may contact Tanghalang Ateneo at tanghalangateneo.externals@gmail.com. For other ticketing concerns, contact Rhenzy Urmeneta at 0938 329 3854.
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