ART THEATRE MANILA’s ‘Sakuntala’ is a must-see Asian theater production

Art Theatre Manila in collaboration with Salu The Filipino Restaurant, Heaven’s Best Entertainment, Greenlight Studios, Theater Lighting Technology and Forscink’s Studio 72 proudly brings on the theater stage the world premiere of Palanca award-winning playwright Allan Palileo’s Philippine version of the greatest 7-act Sanskrit drama of all time, Kalidasa’s ‘Sakuntala: Ang Singsing ng Kapalaran.’

Sakuntala Synopsis : 

Set in 2080 at the center of devastated Philippine islets in Palawan, a young king named Dushyanta falls in love with a hermitage princess Sakuntala while hunting within the parameters of the thick forests of the hermitage kingdom headed by their leader Canwa. As the romantic love affair increases between the two, a curse was passed on by a powerful god Durvasas which made Sakuntala lost her ring given by Dushyanta and eventually forgets the memory he had with the princess. Sakuntala gets pregnant and bore Bharata, the son who has inherited the strengths of his father Dushyanta. The curse ended when the fisherman, Cumbilaca, discovered the ring inside a big fish after the soldiers founded him. The adventures took so many years after the king Dushyanta is reconciled with Sakuntala.

Exciting line-up of mostly film, television and theater millennial actors and actresses is one of the highlights of Art Theatre Manila’s initial theater season. MatelPatayon, Chase Salazar and Diane Formoso share the role of Sakuntala while Paul Cedrick Juan, Vincent Pajara, Tracy Quila and Jett Embana will play the role of the king Dushyanta. Other cast members include Al Angcoy, Gabo Tolentino, GryGimena (as Madhavya); Rudyard Pesimo, Paul Santiago (as Durvasas); Lei Ann Quinquileria, Jomelle Era, MeggyKatigbak, Alecks Ambayec (as Anusuya); Sarina Sasaki, Tina Macaraeg, Kyrstynne Vargas (as Priyamvada); Jacques Borlaza, Emmanuel Dela Cruz, Allan Palileo (as Canwa); Cristy Peredo (as Gautami); BrylleParzuelo, NikulousAranas (as Samgarava); NelGumalog, GryGimena (as Saradwata); Edwin Serrano, Neil Tolentino (as Cumbilaca); Timothy Castillo, Fritz Esase (as Bharata); Anton Segismundo, RM Araneta (as Heneral); Warren Grande, Tristan Bite (as Sundalo); Dolly Dolot (as UtusanniDushyanta); Ronnie Martinez (as Pinuno ng Ermitanyo); and, Bobby Andrew Garcia, Bunny Cadag (as Ermitanyo)

Artistic team members include: JM Cabling (choreography), Ohm David (scenography), Gian Gianan (music), Raqs Regalado (costumes and make-up), MelitonRoxas (lighting), D Cortezano (visual effects) with Fritz Esase (assistant director), Eudes Anthony Garcia (dramaturg), Chris Gallegos (photography), Darla Dela Cruz (graphics). Production heads include: Raph Pineda (deputy production manager), Adriane Ungriano (technical director), Patricia Gascon (stage manager), ,Gio Dexter Santos (audience development), AiraLagarte and Catherine Fong (marketing), CarlynAbayon (logistics) with RALF Advertising and Events Management (advertising team headed by Dodj Mallari).

Joey Ting, Art Theatre Manila’s artistic director and founder, directs and heads the artistic and production team of ‘Sakuntala: Ang Singsing ng Kapalaran.’ The newest professional theater company’s vision is to showcase outstanding dramatic literatures of Asia including artistic masterpieces of Philippine theater.

‘Sakuntala’ starts on September 27 – October 21, 2017 with 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. performances. Ticket prices are: VIP A (Php1,000), VIP B (Php800) and Regular (Php500) with special discounts for students, show buyers and bulk ticket orders. or or through mobile number 0916-55552782 or visit us on our fb page: www.facebook.com/sakuntalaofficial2017/.

Theater venue is located at the Studio 72 Black Box Theater, Kalayaan Avenue, Brgy. Teacher’s Village West, Diliman, Quezon City