Fiestas y Muertos

Dulaang UP opens its 49th Theatre Season with "Fiestas y Muertos," a bold reimagining of "Noli Me Tangere" directed by José Estrella. The production runs on Oct. 23-25, Nov. 6, 8, and 13-15, 2026, at 2 PM and 7 PM, at the IBG-KAL Theater, UP Diliman in Quezon City.

Based on the Filipino translation of José Rizal's novel by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, the production explores the tensions between spectacle and suffering through two contrasting themes: the forced joy of public fiestas and the unsettling reality of death, decay, and oppression symbolized by the muertos. Estrella's staging reframes the events of Spanish-colonial San Diego as a ritualistic cycle in which lavish celebrations conceal poverty, corruption, and social inequality.

Rather than presenting the novel as a traditional period piece, "Fiestas y Muertos" examines how systems of power use spectacle to distract from deeper societal wounds. Through this lens, Rizal's enduring work takes on renewed urgency, inviting audiences to reflect on historical injustices that continue to resonate in contemporary society.

Presented by Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, tickets are priced at P1,200 with free seating.

Event information edited for consistency and clarity by The Beat Asia.