Laughter, giggles, tears, anguish, sighs, trepidation.
These are some of the emotions expected to fill the air as Pista Nin Teatrong Bikolnon announced on Thursday its in-person performances in various places in Legazpi City.
In a press conference at Pasakalye Black Box Art Studio, Julie DM Bega, head of the Pista secretariat, said at least 14 theater groups in Bicol will perform some 16 plays featuring current national crises that have affected people’s personal, sociopolitical, and cultural liberties.
“Yong theater pinapakita niya yung realidad na meron ang iba’t ibang sector mula sa iba’t ibang komunidad at sa tingin ko, nagpapatuloy silang lumikha ng kwento ng iba’t iba membro ng bawat community (Theater shows the reality that different sectors from different communities have and I think they continue to create the story of different members of each community),” Bega said.
She added that the plays are anchored on the theme “Dánay/Creating Visions of Freedom” and will be held at Cinema 4 of Ayala Malls Legazpi from April 26 to April 29.
The shows will showcase talented artists from across Bicol and are expected to delight audience of all ages.
Aside from the show, the Pista will also offer various activities for the participants to enjoy.
“From solidarity camp, parade, directors workshop, and community show, there will be plenty of opportunities for the attendees to immerse themselves in the world of theater, as well as to get to know and connect with other organizations,” Bega said.
The solidarity camp on April 26-27 will offer a venue where artists may congregate and spend the day getting to know others while exchanging their experiences. Delegates from various art organizations will come together to strengthen relations and an art exchange program.
The parade to be held on April 27 as part of the opening rites will be participated in by students and representatives of local theater companies and will start at Bicol University going toward Peñaranda Park.
Meanwhile, the Directors At Work on April 28 will be featuring directors from various theater companies that are part of the festival, who will share their expertise and their process of creating theater plays.
The Pista sa Baryo on April 28 will have delegates witnessing a community show at Barangay Anislad in Daraga town to immerse in the community and bring theater closer to the people.
From April 28-29, there will be performances by 14 theater companies all over the Bicol region.
Ticket prices are PHP100 per set for students, PHP150 for regulars with free popcorn and PHP600 for all access. (PNA)
