'Juan Luna' sarsuela by PSF off to great start

 

Scene from 'Juan Luna'

"Juan Luna" has been formally endorsed by former Commission on Higher Education (CHED) commisioner Nonna Ricafort to the department for the showing of this brave new production of The Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF) in Philippine universities and colleges nationwide.

The endorsement was sealed with a contract signing held right after the Grand World Premiere of the sarsuela held at Adamson University in Manila over the weekend.

Written by Atty. Vince Tanada, "Juan Luna" is a historical musical biopic about the Filipino artist-hero who sparked the revolution, and his struggle with mental illness. 

In an impromptu speech that night, Tanada, also the CEO and Artistic Director of PSF, underscored the importance of keeping history alive especially now "in the time of revisionism."

"We believe that theatre, as the soul of the nation, is a necessary tool for nation building," Tanada was quoted to have said in a prepared statement. "The foundation tries to help the poor, the sick, the elderly and the forgotten through the medium of the performing arts."

The Friends of Cultural Concern of the Philippines also presented PSF with a plaque of appreciation for championing Philippine theater for so several decades now.

Professor Jose Mari Hilario likewise announced there will be a big gala at Makati Shangri-La Hotel where members of "Juan Luna" ensemble will perform French numbers.

Previous PSF productions have been shown all over the Philippines. These places include La Union, Pangasinan, Albay, Lanao del Norte, Dumaguete, among so many others.

In 2010, the company was awarded by Presedent Noynoy Aquino as one of Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO).

PSF has also ventured into the movies vus Philstagers Film. It has produced film adaptations of its award-winning theatrical productions as "Joe, a Filipino rock'sical," "Ang Bangkay," and "Katips," which won the Best Film plum at the 70th Famas Awards.