Cover The Impossible Dream (Photo: Gerard Dy)
The Impossible Dream (Photo: Gerard Dy)
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From the latter part of 1890s to the height of the Martial Law regime and the bleak future, these plays all share one central theme: politics is about who can hide things best
Three one-act-plays that confront, challenge, and disrupt, the aptly titled Kumprontasyon follows the theme of sweeping the bad and ugly under the rug. The three plays touch on specific points—Lakambini at the midst of the Philippine Revolution, The Impossible Dream during the Seventies, and A Color For Tomorrow in the future—with all talking about the present. While these confrontations did not happen in history, they sparked important conversations about the current state of politics without pulling any punches.
More from Tatler: Guelan Luarca on writing plays that criticise and challenge the status quo
‘Lakambini’ by Allan Palileo
Above Lakambini (Photo: Reamure A. David)
Lakambini (Photo: Reamure A. David)
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“Matagal na kitang pinatawad. Sana patawarin ka ng bayan mo.” [I have already forgiven you. I hope your country does too.]
An imagined conversation between Gregoria de Jesús-Nacpil viuda de Bonifacio—nicknamed Oriang—and Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, Lakambini tells the story behind the death of war hero Andres Bonifacio. Portrayed by Sherry Lara and Teroy Guzman, the actors perfectly display anger, frustration, and guilt (or lack thereof). From their shaky voices and piercing delivery of lines down to the most minute movements, it’s as if the audience could hear the real Oriang express her pain for losing her husband.
Though set some time in the middle of the Philippine Revolution, Palileo opened up a critical conversation that fits the modern times: how a betrayer like Emilio Aguinaldo had been hailed as a hero today. Though not a direct betrayal of the country, Oriang’s grief adds a personal touch to the theme—the stinging pain of treason with no honest answer.
The play ends with Oriang demanding that Aguinaldo kneel and ask for forgiveness from the Lord. As she exits the stage, Aguinaldo leans on the kneeler instead, still refusing penance.
‘The Impossible Dream’ by Guelan Luarca
Above The Impossible Dream (Photo: Reamur A. David)
The Impossible Dream (Photo: Reamur A. David)
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“This country will not be able to envision its fate without you and me.”
A hypothetical meeting between the late President Ferdinand Marcos and Senator Ninoy Aquino—though the play left the two characters unnamed, only referred to as Mr President and Senator—The Impossible Dream brings us to a secret, impossible rendezvous at the president’s home. Portrayed by Ron Capinding and Romnick Sarmenta, the two argue about legacy and honour. As the President offers the Senator amnesty for his alleged “crimes” in exchange for a confession, the Senator constantly refuses as he has done nothing wrong, putting the two at an impasse. What unfolds is a conversation on a much larger scale—the Filipino people’s obsession with the two personalities.
With every political conflict and movement always being decided as “red” or “yellow,” Luarca wanted to highlight the people’s cognition today. While the Senator clings to the idea of hope for the country, he soon realises that he contributed to our crippling political perspectives. The play posits that the Philippines is cursed to always think of the two parties, even after four decades have passed—and will continue to do so for years to come.
‘A Color For Tomorrow’ by Joshua Lim So
Above A Color For Tomorrow (Photo: Lex Alinsod)
A Color For Tomorrow (Photo: Lex Alinsod)
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“This can’t be me.”
Set in 2058, A Color For Tomorrow follows an unnamed woman developing an augmented reality program where you can render younger versions of yourself to recount your memories. Suffering from dementia, the woman revisits specific periods in her life, from her bubbly and politically active 22-year-old self to her pragmatic 30s when she switched sides to the opposition. A story of nostalgia, pride for your movement, and guilt, she rediscovers the passionate reasons behind her beliefs when she was younger and feels disgusted when she remembers what she had become.
Cast members Missy Maramara, Adrienne Vergara, and Gillian Vicencio (alternated by Uzziel Delamide) capture each stage in a person’s life that resonates with us, the audience. From our naive 20s to our peak 30s and jaded 60s, it sets a harrowing scene for what’s to come if you stray from your chosen path.
Veering from the theme of confrontations throughout history but delving into introspection, So touches on the future. Something that the younger generations can relate to and see themselves in. Hearing the 22-year-old woman’s character speak passionately about joining Leni Robredo’s rallies, the audience’s eyes immediately lit up with joy and a touch of sadness. Seeing what she had become a decade later filled the room with dread and hurt.
Above The Impossible Dream (Photo: Gerard Dy)
The Impossible Dream (Photo: Gerard Dy)
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Ultimately, the three plays instilled a sense of newfound zeal in the audience while also throwing denting blows that are all too familiar. Kumprontasyon dares us to forgive someone who wronged us through Lakambini, to know our enemy through The Impossible Dream, and to recognise ourselves before we are led astray through A Color For Tomorrow. It is all a reminder never to forget the past and to always count on hope for the future.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
