CCP’s Out-of-the-Box Series Kicks Off With ‘Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela’

The Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) will kick off a run of unconventional shows, dubbed Out-Of-The-Box (OTB) series, with “Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela” later this month.

The concert production series aims to deviate from conventional programming as well as “create a space for adventurous audiences, artists, and ideas,” the CCP said in a press release.

The upcoming show will feature songs from classic and contemporary sarsuwela pieces, such as Severino Reyes’ “Walang Sugat,” Precioso Palma’s “Paglipas ng Dilim,” and Hermogenes Ilagan’s “Dalagang Bukid.”

Performers include distinguished musical theater actors Franco Laurel, Reuben Laurente, Nenen Espina, Karylle Tatlonghari, Ayen Munji Laurel, Shiela Valderrama Martinez, Jonathan Tadioan, and Lorenz Martinez.

“When CCP was planning for this series, we thought about the things we have not yet done or haven’t done in a long time. We have had discussions on the possibility of producing another sarsuwela, particularly with Tanghalang Pilipino, which has done a number of sarsuwela revivals since the 1980s,” said CCP’s artistic director Dennis Marasigan.

The “CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series: Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela” will be staged on June 30 and July 1 at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater). Tickets cost P1,500 apiece and are available at TicketWorld. Book your seat now!