Sintang Dalisay Returns to the Stage in 2025: A Timeless Tale of Love and Legacy

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In a grand collaboration between Areté, Ateneo de Manila University’s hub for creativity and innovation, and Tanghalang Ateneo, the university’s longest-running theater company, the much-anticipated restaging of Sintang Dalisay is set to captivate audiences once again. This celebrated Filipino adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, translated by National Artist Rolando S. Tinio and intertwined with G.D. Roke’s 1904 poem, returns to the stage in February 2025, honoring the late Ricardo G. Abad’s enduring contributions to Philippine theater.

A Filipino Reimagining of a Timeless Love Story

Set in an imagined Muslim community in the Southern Philippines, Sintang Dalisay breathes new life into the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. Rashiddin and Jamila must navigate their forbidden love amidst the deep-seated feud between their families, the Mustaphas and Kalimuddins. The adaptation marries Shakespeare’s poignant tragedy with the rich Filipino spirit, brought to life through the mesmerizing Igal dance of the Sama-Bajau people and the enthralling rhythms of neo-ethnic and gamelan music.

A Tribute to a Theater Luminary

This production is part of Tanghalang Ateneo’s “ELOQUENTIA, SAPIENTIA, HUMANITAS: The Ricky Season”, a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Ricardo G. Abad, who first directed Sintang Dalisay in 2011. The play quickly gained critical acclaim, earning multiple ALIW Awards, including Best Non-Musical Production and Best Direction. It later went on to receive the Silver Medal for Production at the 3rd International Experimental Theater Festival in Vietnam in 2016. The 2024 revival further cemented its prestige with four BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards nominations, including Best Play, Best Ensemble, and Best Choreography.

The 2025 restaging serves as more than a theatrical event—it is a celebration of Dr. Abad’s visionary work and a testament to his lasting influence on Philippine theater.

A Stellar Cast and Artistic Team

Leading the cast are Maliana Beran and Karl Borromeo, reprising their roles as Jamila and Rashiddin. They are joined by a talented ensemble of members, alumni, and professional theater artists, including Jerome Dawis, Fred Layno, James Reyes, Yani Lopez, Sophia Alba, Nicole Chua, Sachi Dris, Roldine Ebrada, Ian Beriña, Kaiser Cortina, Joaquin De Los Santos, Paul Felias, Philippe Reyes, Catherine Valentin, and Maxine Ventura.

The artistic team behind Sintang Dalisay is composed of renowned theater practitioners:

  • Direction: Ricardo G. Abad (+) and Guelan Varela-Luarca

  • Dramaturgy: Sabrina Basilio

  • Choreography & Associate Direction: Matthew Santamaria

  • Fight Choreography & Assistant Choreography: Brian Sy

  • Music Design: Jayson “Dyandi” Gildore

  • Music Consultation: Edru Abraham

  • Production Design: Salvador Bernal (+) and Tata Tuviera

  • Lighting Design: D Cortezano

  • Sound Design: John Robert Yam

  • Photography: Pat Ong

  • Graphic Design: Zoe de Ocampo

Show Dates and Ticket Information

Mark your calendars! Sintang Dalisay will run from February 14 to 23, 2025, with showtimes as follows:

  • 2:00 PM - February 15, 16, 22, and 23

  • 7:30 PM - February 14, 15, 21, 22, and 23

Ticket Prices:

  • Orchestra Seats: Php 1,200.00 (General Public) | Php 600.00 (Ateneo Community & Partnered Schools)

  • Balcony Seats: Php 800.00 (General Public) | Php 600.00 (Ateneo Community & Partnered Schools)

Tickets are available for purchase online at bit.ly/ta46sdtickets.

For bulk-buying ticket inquiries, please contact Marketing Head Camille Abaya at tanghalangateneo.externals@gmail.com with the subject line “SD BULK BUY - Your Name or Organization.”

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sponsorship Head Claire Gonzales at tanghalangateneo.externals@gmail.com with the subject line “SD SPONSORSHIP - Your Name or Organization.”

Stay Connected

For more updates on Sintang Dalisay and other productions, follow Tanghalang Ateneo on social media:

Experience a love story that transcends time, culture, and conflict. Join us at the theater and witness the magic of Sintang Dalisay this February 2025!


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