News Release: UP DECL celebrates centenary with a play directed by Anton Juan

17 September 2010, Quezon City – The Department of English and Comparative Literature, College of Arts and Letters of the University of the Philippines-Diliman marks its centenary with a play adapted from Griselda Gambaro’s Information for Foreigners as part of its ongoing celebration. The cast members created collaborative devices in mounting a carnivalesque portrayal of social injustice.

The foreigners in the play are the audience members who will be guided to scenes that show the parallel histories of Argentina (Gambaro’s country) and the Philippines. Under the direction of Anton Juan Jr., the two-hour play will be staged within the CAL (new) Building from September 20 to 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

The DECL, founded in 1910 two years after the university was established, is the second largest department at the UP. The Commission on Higher Education declared it a Center of Excellence in Literature and in the English Language for demonstrating the highest degree or level of standards in the areas of instruction, research, and extension.

Renowned and multi-awarded Juan was a professor in the Department of Speech Communication and Theater Arts and associate professor for Drama at the Creative Writing Center at the CAL. He is currently a full professor and theatre director at the University of Notre Dame du Lac in Indiana, USA.

The production is borne from a one-and-a-half month workshop led by Juan and his artistic team comprised of Patrick Valera, assistant director; Jethro Joaquin, sound designer; Ohm David, technical director; Meliton Roxas, lights designer; Winter David, video designer; Lhenvil Paneda, costume designer; John Paul Gaerlan, props designer; Karen Gaerlan, production manager; Jojo Landrito, assistant technical director; Donna Dacuno, stage manager; Karla Vizcarra, assistant stage manager; Marcus Guasque, Lehner Mendoza, Krystel Dionisio as Boardmen and; Diana Mon Directo, Jennelyn Cabauatan and Jodee M. Reyes, staff members.

Workshop participants and cast members are Adrian Kevin C. Agonoy, Maryjane Alejo, Ron Aries A. Billete, Ara Carmela Bonilla, Janellyn Briones, Jennelyn Cabauatan, Christian M. Dagsil, Rico del Rosario, Renz Danielle Dugenia, Emma Fisher, Chona Fernando, Carlo P. Garcia, Karen Gaerlan, Ekis Gimenez, Benedick Hernandez, Nestor Benny P. Leyson, Michael Ian Lomongo, Michael Magallona, Jeena Rani Marquez, Olive Nieto, Paul Jake A. Paule, Carlo P. Pulido, Jodee M. Reyes, Opaline Rae B. Santos, Betty Uy-Regala, and Jaime J. Yambao with the special participation of guest actor, Peter Serrano.

Ticket is at P250. For ticket inquiries, kindly contact Karen Gaerlan at (0927) 554-1854.

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For more information or to arrange for interviews, please contact Betty Uy-Regala at (0906) 260-4175.