Ang Sistema at Ang Galaw
The cast and the crew.
Ang Sistema Ni Propesor Tuko is a debut comedy production by the Iloilo Prima Galaw Productions, a new creative group in Iloilo City. It was staged last September 11 and 12, 2008 and will be staged again on December 11 and 12, 2008 at the CAP Auditorium.
The play by Alfredo "Al" Rustia Santos is a comedy about the teaching system here in the Philippines and the challenge it takes. In the course of the play we see through the four walls of a grade school classroom; we see traditional teachers through the character of Propesor Tuko, how he teaches modern students with old-school systems; we see the different students and how they take on this kind of teaching through the characters of Ningning, Kikay, Bodyok and Bondying; from the mellow, mild-mannered student to the geeky, teacher's pet, to the annoyingly intelligent constantly rule-breaking pain-in-the-neck learner, down to the alarmed and almost paranoid ones.
Bondying gets panicky about writing his
name a hundred times.
A socially relevant play that could open the eyes of many to the reality that teaching is a continuing evolution along with the students who are different every generation. This might just be the play that could enlighten us with many more interesting happenings inside the classrooms of our dear innocents.
This is a timely best choice to stage as a debut performance for the Iloilo Prima Galaw Productions. The actors were outstanding as well as the unsung heroes of the production. Right from the narrator down to the finalé, the play has caught and caged the attention and humor of the audience, who "ooh-ed", "aah-ed" and hysterically laughed at the right places as if on cue. This first time, their best is good enough, good enough to establish them in the minds of the people.
More inside story in this interview with Mr. Romie John Delariarte, director and choreographer of "Ang Sistema Ni Propesor Tuko".
TNingning, Budyok, Bondying and Kikay
cook up a plan to teach Propesor
Tuko a lesson.
Kate L. Mendoza (KM): Is the play an original or an adaptation?
Romie John Delariarte (RJD): The play was written by Al Rustia Santos. It is an adaptation but the production was entirely original; the creative outputs like blockings, set design and props were new.
KM: Who are the cast and the crew?
RJD: Raymund Vincent Javier carries the character of Propesor Tuko, Ramon Michael Vincent Feliciano is "Budyok", Nikko Chua is "Kiko", Kristine Chan is "Kikay", Earl Andrew Camara and Jan Van Nino Minsalan alternately takes on the character of "Bondying" and Flora Mae Barredo and Krissa Socorro Gomez alternates each other on the character of "Ningning". The production crew is made up of the Project Coordinators, Ma. Krizia Ledesma and Ramon Michael Vincent Feliciano; the Stage Manager and Music, Dionel Calbario; the Lights by Leolette Esther Hubag; Costume and make-up by Garlyn Aguiling; the set and the props by Oliver Perry Saloma; House Manager, Kristin Chan and I also took responsibility of the sound effects.
Ningning shows to the audience that she
does not like Propesor Tuko's teaching
ways..
KM: Why did you choose this particular play?
RJD: I chose this play for the following reasons: since it is focused on the Philippine educational system, I consider it timely, fitted and accurate. The play was done to assess the strategies of teachers done in the classrooms and to evaluate students' performance based on the teaching-learning environment.
KM: Is this your first major production?
RJD: As a stage director, it's my 6th character play following the "Fidler on the Roof", "Minda Mora", "Sound of Music", "Walang Sugat" and "Peter Pan", but as a production under Iloilo Prima Galaw, it is our first venture to stage.
KM: What is the Iloilo Prima Galaw Productions? How and when did it start?
RJD: Iloilo Prima Galaw is the newest creative group in Iloilo City which aims to develop Ilonggo talents through dance, theater, visual arts, music and other forms of arts. It started April of 2008.
KM: Do you have productions coming up?
RJD: We will bring "Ang Sistema Ni Propesor Tuko" to Roxas, Antique and in the various places in the Philippines. In the future IPG (Iloilo Prima Galaw) will be doing dance dramas, band and an art school for the children.
KM: What are involved in the preparations of productions like this?
RJD: The production team prepared on the following: marketing plan, ad campaigns (TV, radio and print) and production rehearsals. Members were so enthusiastic and dedicated to make our dreams come true.
KM: How can interested people join?
RJD: Interested people can join through the creative workshops of IPG like creative workshops in schools and in summer arts workshops. If interested, they may log on to ipg.blogspot.com or they may email us at iloprimagalaw@gmail.com. They may also call us at (033) 361-29-82 or text us at 09158515033.