Learning from Laughter

The University of the Philippines, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Humanities, THEA 114: Community Theater, together with Tanghalan UPLB and UP Grand Order of the Eagles Fraternity and Sorority present “ELBI.COMM: The First Installment,” concept and direction by Joey Ting and written by Sharmaine Caldino and Romae Arganda. It was held on November 10, 11, and 12, 2015 with 6pm and 8pm shows at Maquiling Performance Garden, CAS Annex 2, UPLB starring Vanessa Alvarez, Clinton Ang, Jasmin Banquett, Danielle Co, Rap de Jesus, Herald dela Cruz, Jaja dela Rosa, MJ Guan, Paolo Jose, Steph Manrilla, Royette Padro, Guiller Rongavilla, Edward Solon, Kim Licerio, Audrei Lacsina, Loreine San Luis Randell Sonio, Elaine Sosa, Jonel Tandang, France Turda, and Francis Villamill, with special participation of Third Alub, Nikulous Aranas and Rudyard Pesimo. The production staff includes Matel Patayon and Lore Arellano for sounds, Sarah Manzanero and CJ Raagas for costume and make-up, Mariel Abareta for set and props, Pat Olympia for lights, Donn Soriano and Charlotte Hernandez for production management, Cara Bilangel and Yuri Amon for stage management, and Paul Alcala for technical direction.

Theater elements of the play are significant in the overall output of the production for these are the elements seen and heard by the audience. The set is composed of four scaffolds and two wooden stairs all have wheels for these are moved for every set changes. There is also a projector in the middle, above the stage that shows video clips and pictures as part of the play. The costumes are modern casual clothes and formal clothing depending on the characters. There are school uniforms for the students and teachers, black coat, pants and leather shoes for Rizal, tshirt or sando and protective gears for construction workers, stylish clothes for Krissy and Boy, imitation costumes of the popular celebrities in TV like JaDine, KathNiel, and AlDub, also, Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano and Vice Ganda. Moreover, they imitate costumes of the political candidates, Grace Poe, Mar Roxas, Jejomar Binay, and Miriam Defensor-Santiago. The music played is recorded songs from pop music such as Pinoy Big Brother theme song “Pinoy Ako,” “Mr. Right” by Kim Chiu, “Karakaraka” by Vice Ganda, and songs played in KalyeSerye like “God Gave Me You” by Bryan White. The sounds used are sound effects like bus sound, instrumentals, and fast beats. Also they used the sounds of the TV shows like “The Voice” and “Aquino and Abunda Tonight.” Lighting used are spotlights, strobe lights when there are dances and more. The characters played by the actors are students and teachers, construction workers and Pinoy Big Brother teen housemates. The national hero, Jose Rizal has made an appearance also. Other characters are presidential candidates of 2016 namely, Jojo Vinay, Grapes Poe, Mar Rosas, and Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Moreover, various celebrities are portrayed by the actors such as Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda. Also, there are Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano, Vice Ganda, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. Actors played roles of the famous love teams James Reid and Nadine Lustre, known as JaDine, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, known as KathNiel, and Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza aka Yaya Dub, known as AlDub, together with Lola Nidora and her Rogelios.

Evaluating the theater elements of the play gives a positive response. The set is very creative and innovative. It can change to various scenes depending on the situation. The costumes achieved to imitate the characters and also the costumes represent well the characters. For instance, the outfit of Grace Poe which is a white polo, black skirt and black shoes, is the outfit in her TV advertisement. Moreover, the usual uniforms of schools and construction are realistic. The outfits of the celebrities are really look-alike. The music is relatable and popular to today’s generation. The use of pop songs really is catchy and appealing to many. The sounds create a realistic feel of the scenes, for example, the bus scene contains the sounds you usually hear in a particular place. Also, they used the sounds of the TV shows like “The Voice” and “Aquino and Abunda Tonight,” as if it was the real TV show. The lighting feels as if it is a real variety show seen on TV. The actors are great as comedians. They are able to imitate the characters they are portraying. They seem like the celebrity or the politician themselves. For example, the actors played Bhoy and Krissy move and talk the same as Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino. The actors made the audience laugh and enjoy the show. They were able to make the audience actively participate during the live show like they clap their hands, shout, cheer, and raise the boards of “Havey” and “Waley.”

Various theater studies to support the evaluation. According to Encyclopædia Britannica in “Theatrical Production,” theater stage is the representation of space and time. “The stage creates an illusion of scenes. The stage becomes another locale by an act of imagination undertaken by both actors and audience.” Furthermore, theater studies give explanation that the spectacle such as lights, music, and sounds should create the mood and emotions necessary as indicated in the story. It creates the appeal to the emotions of the audience. In regards to the performer or the actor, studies said that, “In portraying an individual character, the performer adopts a fictional framework and acts according to the text’s demands.” In relation to the audience, “in nondramatic theatre the performer generally acknowledges the presence of the audience.” This is evident in the play since it is like a variety show.

“ELBI.COMM: The First Installment,” is a satirical play which as defined to be humorous, and “its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society.” Specifically, the play is a socio-political satire. It is “a humorous, ironic, or sarcastic examination of the political and social arena in an attempt to expose absurdity and hypocrisy.” The play gives awareness about the socio-political issues of the society. It tackles the current issues in politics, education, modern technology, arts and culture, and media love teams. It encourages the people to take part and be critical in the happenings in the society and not be merely passive citizens. The issues presented by the play shapes the culture and practices of the people and influence the views and actions of the people which we should analyze whether they are good or bad and if they will contribute to the development of the individuals and the country as whole. ELBI.COMM made the audience learn from the laughter. The play significantly contributes to the Philippine contemporary theater by upholding the theater’s role which is to present the reality to the audience and provide lessons that they will carry even after the show.

References:

Ellis, J. “What is Political Satire?” wiseGeek. Conjecture Corporation. 14 November 2015. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what- is-political-satire.htm>

“theatrical production”. Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015.Web.06 Dec. 2015. <www.britannica.com/art/theatrical-production>

ELBI.COMM: The First Installment. https://www.facebook.com/elbicommfirstinstallment/?fref=ts

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