Orosman at Zafira Set to Open on Feb 4

I was able to catch a sneak peek of four production numbers from Orosman at Zafira the other day during the play’s press con. Even before the cast started performing, I was already impressed at the costumes and how these made it easy for members of the audience to identify who belongs to what tribe.

My anticipation at watching something wonderful was justified when the cast started singing and dancing. To say that it was quite an experience would not be enough. I was figuratively blown away by the sheer talent of this group of young people who are obviously passionate about their work. 

The production number featuring the war between the three tribes was so full of energy and was wonderfully executed. I wish I could have captured that on video but, alas, my camera’s battery bailed out on me and I only got to use my mobile phone to take a few shots (photos can be found here). Thus, I am very much looking forward to seeing the full production of Orosman at Zafira come February.

Below are more details about this extraordinary and proudly Filipino production. Do make time to watch it as it is something we should value as part of our rich cultural heritage.

To watch the trailer and read a backgrounder of the story, please visit my other blog.

Press Release:

Dulaang UP, in partnership with Bit by Bit Development Company, is bringing back its blockbuster production of Francisco Baltazar’s OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA.

Set to open on February 4, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Centerstage Theater, OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA will run until February 26, 2011. OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA, one of the best-written works of Francisco Baltazar, the “King of Tagalog Poets,” is the story of the struggle for power of three kingdoms: Marueccos, Tedenst, and Duquela. Amid hatred and war where two individuals find love, this contemporary adaptation of Baltazar's text highlights the strength of the Filipina and celebrates the uniqueness of Philippine culture through original music and dance.

Directed and choreographed by Dexter M. Santos, with original music by Carol Bello, OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA garnered nominations for both Best Musical Production and Best Stage Director at the 21st Aliw Awards.

OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA premiered in February 2008 and was re-staged last August 2010 to sold-out, standing-room-only performances at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, UP Diliman. Due to numerous inquiries and requests for more “repeat” performances from students, teachers, schools, organizations and theater fans from Metro Manila and nearby provinces, Dulaang UP checked the feasibility of presenting OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA outside the UP Diliman campus in order to reach more audiences. Through a partnership with Bit by Bit Development Company under the management team of lawyer Darwin Mariano and magazine editor Carlo Francia, this original Filipino musical will have 15 performances at SM Mall of Asia Centerstage Theater.

The new production of OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA shall feature Jay Gonzaga (Orosman), Maita Ponce (Zafira), Delphine Buencamino (Zafira), Tao Aves (Zelima), Roeder Camañag (Abdalap), Red Concepcion (Aldervesin), Kevin Concepcion (Zelim), Acey Aguilar (Zelim), Jacinta Remulla (Gulnara), Jean Judith Javier (Gulnara), Nazer Salcedo (Boulasem), Neil Tolentino (Mahamud), Felipe Ronnie Martinez (Ben-Asar), and the Dulaang UP Ensemble.

The artistic team of OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA includes Tuxqs Rutaquio (Production Designer), John Ilao Batalla (Lighting Designer), Anril Tiatco, Katte Sabate, and Patrick Valera (Dramaturgs), Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director), Via Antonio (Associate Choreographer), Irish Pangilinan (Associate Musical Director), and Lao Rodriguez (Accessories Designer).

The production team is composed of Atty. Darwin Mariano (Executive Producer), Carlo Francia (Associate Producer), Toots O. Tolentino (PR/Publicity Consultant), Ida Elopre (Production Manager), Ohm David (Technical Director), Loraine Macatangay (Stage Manager), Cherry Bong Edralin (Marketing Manager), and Jojit Lorenzo (Photography).

OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA’s Playdates are Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, 2011 at the SM Mall of Asia Centerstage Theater. OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA’s Friday and Saturday Gala Shows will be at 8:00 p.m. and the Saturday Matinee Shows will be at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA tickets are now available at all SM Cinema Ticket Booths nationwide and all TicketWorld outlets in major National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Stores, and at Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 5 and Trinoma Cinema ticket booths. Call SM Tickets at (02) 470.2222 or TicketWorld at (02) 891.9999.

As a special treat to all students, here’s your chance to watch OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA for only P350.00 per ticket (free seating). This is applicable on all matinee performances.

For more information, call or text (0949) 434.5239 / (0917) 842.7346 or (0922) 842.7346 or log on to www.orosmanatzafira.com or like the official OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA Fan Page on Facebook.