UA&P's Dulaang ROC stages Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio
A circus-inspired production at Telengtan Hall
By Rachel Ayala
Universitas Staff
Dulaang ROC staged Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio at Telengtan Hall from May 6 to 9, transforming the venue into a circus-inspired performance space through interactive staging, dramatic lighting, and audience engagement.
Dr. Paul Dumol, Professor Emeritus of the University of Asia and the Pacific, wrote the play in 1968 when he was 16 years old. As the play approaches its 60th anniversary, Dulaang ROC made its own rendition under the direction of UA&P alumni Jom Villanueva and Patty Villacorta (Arts & Culture Lead of the CSA-Office of Student Development).
Elaborate makeup, striped decor throughout the whole venue, and carnival-style music were used in the production. These elements, along with the interactive staging, transformed Telengtan Hall into a spectacle-driven performance that framed the narrative of the play.
The production opened with cast members interacting with audience members outside the venue before the formal program began with the singing of the national anthem.
At the center of the performance was Mang Serapio, portrayed alternately by Jorge Empinado and Iggy Arevalo across different performance dates, who was brought onto the stage in a wheeled wagon as he underwent a staged trial led by the Federación. Throughout the performance, colorful lighting dominated the production, while selective white spotlights were used to emphasize key subjects, particularly the Federacion block positioned at the center of the stage.
The performance drew varying reactions from the audience, including laughter during comedic exchanges and visible shock during scenes depicting violence later in the play.
Jared Pacheco played Unang Tagapagtanong, while Yhanna Salonga and Faith Mendoza portrayed Pangalawang Tagapagtanong on different performance dates. Other cast members included Jacob Gutierrez as the Barker; Steph Almario, Tres Tabije, and Mendoza as Mga Saksi; Marcus Tagum and MJ Abeleda as Pilay; and ensemble performers Jace Santiago, Aja Avelino, Bea Horca, Jodee Antonio, Sean Borja, and Miggy Casapao.
Following the curtain call, cast members engaged with the audience and took photographs before ending the performance with their signature “ibon lipad” pose, a gesture performed at the end of each show.