Cover The cast of ‘Niyebe’ performing on stage (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
The cast of ‘Niyebe’ performing on stage (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
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A theatrical retelling of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s short story, ‘Niyebe’ shows us beauty in the end
For its 91st season, the FEU Theatre Guild stages Niyebe—an adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s short story, El Rastro de Tu Sangre en la Nieve (The Trail of Your Blood in the Snow). Written and directed by teacher, actor, and playwright Dudz Teraña, the experimental musical harbours themes of death, grief, and insanity amidst a tragic situation.
“Ang puso ay ang pinakamakasariling bahagi ng katawan [The heart is the most selfish part of the body].”
The musical, for the most part, stays true to the original short story, following Nena (Brigitta Marilla) and Billy (Raffaelle Pascua)—a young Colombian couple who travel to Spain after getting married. When the bride gets pricked by a rose thorn, her wound refuses to heal and continuously drips blood. The two then travel to Paris for treatment while the husband is constantly rejected visitation and is left alone, wondering about her wife’s condition.
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Above The bouquet of roses that pricked pricked Nena’s finger (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
The bouquet of roses that pricked pricked Nena’s finger (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
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Upon entering the theatre, audiences are greeted by Jonas Cunanan’s seemingly insane character. A solitary grave modestly stands beside Cunanan’s character centre stage, surrounded by shredded paper meant to be snow. Before the show starts, a foreshadowing introduces us to the absurd and tragic circumstances yet to unfold.
Above The married couple, Nena and Billy (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
The married couple, Nena and Billy (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
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“Mabubuo pa ba ang pag-ibig kung ang simula ay kamatayan; handa ka bang harapin ang panibagong bukas kung magsisimula sa wakas? [Will love be ever fulfilled when it begins with death? Are you willing to face a new day if it will start from the end?]”
The short story itself starts in medias res, only shedding light on past events as the narrative progresses. Teraña builds on this by expanding the two protagonists’ history, giving much-needed context as to how the two met, the relationship they have with their family and the traumatic crises that have unfolded in their lives as individuals. These additions made me root for them more, hoping that their story won’t end in death—despite it being heavily foreshadowed.
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Above The cast of ‘Niyebe’ (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
The cast of ‘Niyebe’ (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
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As an ensemble piece, Niyebe’s casting was on point. Played entirely by students, they acted their roles expertly. For instance, Dianne Andallo and Shawn Tarala’s portrayal of Nena’s parents didn’t break my immersion—they truly felt like a couple navigating how to raise a child. Another point worth mentioning is the cast’s verbal competency in the foreign languages used. Set in Colombia, Spain, and Paris, there would be scenes that demand Spanish and French, which they delivered impressively, albeit with an inauthentic accent.
Above Billy grieving Nena’s death (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
Billy grieving Nena’s death (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
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Niyebe’s set, to put it plainly, was done to perfection by Kirstan Orbegoso. From steps beside the audience to ladders way off to the side, the entire set was utilised by the cast and made for an immersive experience. Paired with the costume design reminiscent of The Addams Family done by Margarita Barrameda and handmade props, I was left mesmerised by the stage’s quality.
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Above Nena (Brigitta Marilla) and the Narrator (Aaron Bayani) in the FEU Theatre Guild’s ‘Niyebe’ (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
Nena (Brigitta Marilla) and the Narrator (Aaron Bayani) in the FEU Theatre Guild’s ‘Niyebe’ (Photo: Courtesy of FEU Theatre Guild)
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Carlon Matobato’s choreography, paired with Vince Lim’s original rock music, brought out the cast’s talent and skill. One to note is Aaron Bayani, who played the narrator. His powerful voice has him commanding the stage in every scene he’s in and makes me look forward to his blossoming theatre career.
The FEU Theatre Guild’s Niyebe tells a gripping tale of love and frustration portrayed with finesse. While there are slight snags with some of the ensemble’s stiff choreography, it’s a musical worth watching. I entered the theatre with little to no knowledge of the original source material yet found myself following easily the narrative—despite being told in a non-linear fashion.
Niyebe runs until March 27, 2025, at the FEU Center for the Arts. For more information, visit its social media pages.
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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.
