Cover Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, located at the corner of Jalandoni and Sotto streets
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, located at the corner of Jalandoni and Sotto streets
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Six years after the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Board of Trustees broke ground for its construction, Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez finally opens its doors with a powerhouse lineup of performances
After more than two years of faring the pandemic, CCP returns to live performances! Last July, Anton Juan Jnr's internationally renowned adaptation of Bayan-Bayanan by Bienvenido Noriega came home to the Philippines with its new musical version staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. This was followed by events, gatherings, and private performances in CCP such as Ballet Philippines' Equus, Bolero and Other Dances, and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines' Pulso Pilipinas, to name a few.
Read also: Tatler Review: Anton Juan's Musical Adaptation of 'Bayan-Bayanan' by Bienvenido Noriega
As CCP returns to admitting live audiences, it is very timely that the much-awaited new addition to its complex has been completed. Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, which is also known as the CCP Black Box, was inaugurated on September 8 in Christian and Muslim rites, followed by an inaugural show featuring excerpts of the first performance season of the theatre.
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Slated at the new venue are the CCP Special Concert Series, Tanghalang Pilipino’s Anak Datu, CCP Triple Threats Series, Ang Dakilang Teatro ng Daigdig, Carousel by Repertory Philippines and Ternocon 2022.
Coming 30 years after the last building was erected in the complex, the new state-of-the-art and world-class performing arts space represents CCP’s leap into the future, keeping it relevant with the times.
Read also: Tanghalang Pilipino Mounts 'Anak Datu' This September
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According to B + C, the company that designed the logo, they extracted its shape and colours from Philippine indigenous weaves. “It represents the bold new works that will take place at the venue—progressive, experimental, fluid, contemporary. In effect, ‘out of the box’.”
The new building takes its name from the businessman whose generosity made it possible and from the theatre term that refers to a performance space, bound by four walls, but offering both flexibility and versatility, with seats, and painted black.
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Businessman Ignacio Gimenez, once a scholar of National Artist for Theatre Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero and a member of the UP mobile theatre, donated the building to CCP to honour his mentor as his way of giving back to the Filipino people and encouraging local business community leaders to engage more in Philippine theatre. With his brother Roberto Olanday, the funding for constructing the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez was possible.
The building took three years to finish with the support and administrative assistance of the Leandro V. Locsin Partners. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in January 2016 and construction of the building commenced in 2017.
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Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box) boasts at least four flexible stage and seating configurations, a removable trap door, a portable dance floor, and a high-end sound and light technology system. Its catwalk offers provisions to accommodate lighting, sound, video equipment, and additional drapery. It also has various orchestra and choral risers, as well as aluminium trusses, which can be used for rigging stage sets and designs. The loading dock can accommodate a 20-foot container truck. A carpentry area with a high ceiling can accommodate tall scenic pieces. An acoustically treated door separates the Carpentry Area from the Performance space.
The new building is compliant with the Magna Carta for the Disabled. It is equipped with high-speed data/internet or ethernet connection that can be used to enhance audience experiences.
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The inauguration of the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez is a welcome development to the Centre as the CCP Main Building will be closed for rehabilitation from January 2023 until 2025.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
