Witness the latest musical iteration of Jomar Fleras’ acclaimed work ‘Kanser’
Presented by Tanghalang Una Obra, Ibarra takes Jomar Fleras’ award-winning play, Kanser, based on Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and puts another musical spin on it. A story of love, oppression, and revolution, Ibarra promises a performance that captivates.
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This year’s staging, featuring television and film actor Piolo Pascual in the titular role, celebrates the 125th year of the Philippines’ independence from the Spanish colonisers. It is a musical salute to the heroes who fought for our freedom.
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The musical focuses on the love story between Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara while detailing their inner conflicts.
Born into privilege, Ibarra thought he could reform the Philippines from the inside out, working with the friars and officials to bring change without a revolution. The colonisers, however, saw him as a heretical subversive. Imprisoned, Ibarra was convinced by his friend, Elias, that an armed struggle was the only path to freedom and which led him to become a revolutionary.
Maria Clara, on the other hand, has a scandalous lineage as the illegitimate daughter of Padre Damaso. However, this is hidden from public view due to her high social status.
Ibarra’s heroism closely mirrors Rizal, with all events culminating in the Philippine Revolution.
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