HappeningPH Philippine Theater Alert! Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Sees Filipino Twist with the Return of Tanghalang Ateneo’s SINTANG DALISAY This July 2024

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, June 19, 2024 —Over a decade since Sintang Dalisay’s first formal run in 2011, Tanghalang Ateneo will once again grace Filipino theater-goers with the classic Romeo and Juliet adaptation. In partnership with Areté, Sintang Dalisay 2024 will treat its audience to a fresh take on the award-winning production adapted and originally directed by the late Dr. Ricardo G. Abad, and will be staged at Areté’s 840-seater Hyundai Hall beginning July 6.

Guelan Varela-Luarca, co-director and playwright of this run shares “Ricardo Abad passed away late last year, midway through preparations for the restaging of Sintang Dalisay. Today, we carry his legacy and his passion for the performing arts. This staging is our tribute to Ricky and a manifestation of all the triumphs and trials, and the Pure Love that has endured throughout all of its restagings.”

Since its first run in July 2011 for Tanghalang Ateneo’s 33rd season, the production has toured internationally in Belarus (2012), Taiwan (2014), Vietnam (2016), and Malaysia (2017) among other local and international reruns. This year’s staging will be the first full-length Filipino non-musical production to be staged at Hyundai Hall, and will mark the beginning of Tanghalang Ateneo’s 46th Season aptly themed “The  Ricardo Abad Season”. Sintang Dalisay follows the story of Rashiddin and Jamila, two lovers from the feuding  families of the Mustaphas and Kalimuddins. Set in an imaginary Muslim community, Rashiddin and  Jamila must navigate their love amidst a long-standing conflict between their families. 

Sintang Dalisay is performed through the Igal, a traditional dance form of the Sama-Bajau, and is accompanied by neo-ethnic and gamelan music. With this, the production aims to bring together Shakespeare’s tragedy and symbols of Filipino culture, translating its themes of profound love and undying hope for the Filipino audience. The cast will feature a mix of industry professionals and current members of Tanghalang Ateneo, including Mitzie Lao (Mula Sa Buwan, 2022), Jerome Dawis (Dekada ‘70, 2020), and Yani Lopez (Sa Babaeng Lahat – Virgin Labfest, 2024). The production will also feature direction by Dr. Ricardo Abad and Guelan Luarca, with assistant direction and movement by Matthew Santamaria, music by Edru Abraham, Jayson “Dyandi” Gildore, and Rhea Dagnalan, and production design by Tata Tuviera and the late National Artist Salvador Bernal. 

Sintang Dalisay will run from July 6 to 20 with afternoon (2:00 PM) shows on July 6-7, 12-14, and 18-20, and evening (7:30 PM) shows on July 6-7, 13-14, and 19-20.  Tickets start at Php 850 and may be purchased through Ticket2Me or through Tanghalang Ateneo’s direct ticketing form. For interested showbuyers, you may contact Tanghalang Ateneo at tanghalangateneo.externals@gmail.com. For other ticketing concerns, kindly contact Rhenzy Urmeneta via 0938 329 3854. 

To learn more about Sintang Dalisay and connect with Tanghalang Ateneo for future shows and updates, visit the official Tanghalang Ateneo socials on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Edwin Leovince F. Padie 

Tanghalang Ateneo Season 45 

Publicity Coordinator

+63 917 813 0759 

tanghalangateneo.externals@gmail.com