Noli Me Tangere The Opera Returns to CCP

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by Gerone Baladhay

200 strong band of actors-classical singers, classical musicians, and production crew are joining forces in the re-staging of National Artists Guillermo Tolentino and Felipe De Leon’s most beloved 1957 opera, “Noli Me Tangere” (Huwag Mo Salangin/ Touch Me Not) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)- Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

Leading the cast are Nerissa De Juan alternated by Bianca Lopez (Maria Clara); Ivan Nery and Nomher U. Nival (Juan Crisostomo Ibarra); Allison Cervantes, Kelly Peralejo, and Bernadette Mamauag (Sisa); Joseleo Logdat (Elias); Greg Abelardo de Leon (Pilosopo Tasyo); Nil's Flores and Ronaldo Villaruel Abarquez (Padre Damaso; Abarquez also plays Kapitan Tiago at certain performances); Miguel Espiritu (Kapitan Tiago); Noel Comia Jr. and Mari Yapjoco (Basilio), and Santino Juan Santiago (Crispin).

Also joining the cast are Mia Bolanos (Dona Victorina), Jose Mari Javato (Padre Salvi), Krissan Manikan-Tan (Tiya Isabel), Timothy Racho (Alferez), Ruzzel Clemeno (Don Filipo), Tomas Virtucio (Albino/Linares), Lorenz Edward Sarrondo (Linares), Rare Jireh Yzel Columna (Victoria), and Renz Nathaniel Cruz (Manlilibing).

Based on Dr. Jose Rizal's 1887 classic novel of the same name, the performance tells the endless story and journey of love and hope shadowed by the revolting realities of tyranny and betrayal. Festooned with beautiful music brought by De Leon and libretto by Tolentino, the opera gives us wonders of songs such as “Banal ang Pag-ibig” and “Mamatay akong di makikita” accompanied by the 53 piece NOLI Symphony Orchestra under the baton of maestro Herminigildo Ranera. The production boasts an extravagant stage bedecked with actors wearing Spanish colonial era inspired costumes by Albert Figueras and Jerry Sibal, not to mention the detailed set and sound.

A must-see for anyone who wish to experience history, literature, heritage and culture come alive. The opera in Three Acts follows the return of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra from his academic studies in Europe. With so much to look forward to (marriage, building schools, and living a happy life-contented life), he is confronted by ordeals set upon by his family’s enemy- Padre Damaso. Secrets are revealed and mysteries begins to creep among the streets of the quiet San Diego town.

The opera is a window to the sufferings of the “indios” from Spanish tyrants and the different social diseases: political system, illicit ways of institutions, and the adverse ways of the privileged class, that are still prominent in these times.

Call it ambitious, but this return of ‘Noli Opera’, is truly a revolution for the performing arts and an experience beyond the book.

Noli Me Tangere the Opera will have shows on March 8, (Fri-Gala), 8pm; March 9 (Sat-Matinee), 2pm; and March 10 (Sun-Matinee, 2pm at the CCP Main Theatre. Ticket Prices: Gala: Orchestra Center – P3,500, Orchestra Side/Parterre – P2,800, Balcony 1 Center-P1,500, Balcony 1 Center - P1,500, Balcony I Side – P1,200, and Balcony II Center & Side – P1,00 Matinee: Orchestra Center – P2,800, Orchestra Side/Parterre – P2,300, Balcony I Center – P1,400, Balcony I Side – P1,200, and Balcony II Center & Side – P900 50% off for students, 20% discount for senior citizens, PWD, government and military personnel

Ticket Outlets: J&S Productions Inc. 0947 168 1714, 0915 819 3459, or 02 998 2356, CCP Box Office 02 832 3704/06, or TicketWorld 02 891 9999, https://ticketworld.com.ph/

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