Dulaang UP stalwarts reunite in The Kundiman Party

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One of the main contributions of the Dulaang UP to Philippine Theatre are the actors who have crossed over from the stage to television, independent films, and other genres. Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, and Teroy Guzman are renowned for their crossovers and are proud to state that their training ground and home base will always be DUP and the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater.

Another bond shared is their having appeared in many of Floy Quintos’ original works. Shamaine was Atang, and Yolanda in Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna. Frances starred at Suor Clara and as Mamang in Evening at the Opera both at the Virgin Lab Fest. She took a comic turn as Dita in Shock Value and shared the role of Atang with Shamaine. Stella starred as Simone in Fluid, Tatiana in Collection, and the Barones Ade de Bethune in Angry Christ. Teroy on the other hand was the original Pepe in Fili, Fred in the original St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos, and as Amado Hernandez in Atang.

In The Kundiman Party, a play with music by Floy Quintos directed by Dexter M. Santos, these actors are joined by Missy Maramara (fresh from Ang Dalagita’y ‘Sang Bagay na Di-buo), Kalil Almonte (last seen on the DUP stage as Anselmo in Angry Christ), Jenny Jamora (of Basilia ng Malolos), Teetin Villanueva, Arya Herrera, Rica Nepumuceno, Melisa Camba, and pianist Farley Asuncion.

The Kundiman Party is set in the tumultuous present. It revolves around a retired singer, Maestra Adela Dolores and her belief in the transformative power of the Kundiman art song. When she meets a young, tech-savvy activist, Bobby, her long-dormant sense of Nationalism is awakened. Together they embark on a crusade that surprisingly becomes a viral sensation. Their eccentric form of protest and its dangerous consequences are the stuff of bittersweet comedy about the times we live in and the choices we all must make.

In writing the play, Quintos says, “I made sure that each role is tailor-made for this company of actors whom I love and respect. It was also a good chance for younger actors to work with the seasoned veterans.”

On his fifth collaboration with Quintos, director Dexter M. Santos says, “it’s always a joy and challenge bringing life to a Quintos piece. The Kundiman Party has been a beautiful and exciting process of collaboration, discovery, and learning.”

The Kundiman Party is set to run from April 11 to 29 (Wednesdays to Fridays at 7:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 7:00pm; and Sundays at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm) at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd Floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

The Kundiman Party is a most timely reminder to Sing, Remember and Resist.

#UPPTTheKundimanParty
#UPPTHonoringDefiance

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