Cover A scene from Teatrong Mulat. ng Pilipinas’ ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ (Photo: Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas)
A scene from Teatrong Mulat. ng Pilipinas’ ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ (Photo: Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas)
1 / 1
This renowned new work of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas returns to the stage this January 19 onwards, bringing the beloved classic story written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry closer to Filipino hearts
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved story, The Little Prince, tackles themes of loneliness, friendship, love and loss. Though it may not seem appropriate for children at a glance (the author actually dedicated the book to his grown-up best friend whom he felt needed consoling), the story has perennially tugged the hearts of many—young and young-at-heart alike—because of its whimsical nature, digestible storytelling, and profundity that made it a timeless favourite.
Adapted into Filipino by Vladimeir Gonzales, Prinsipe Bahaghari goes beyond the barriers of language by putting it into the Philippine context as well—the snake eating an elephant was replaced by a sea serpent-dragon that eats the moon reminiscent of the old Filipino folklore about the bakunawa, and more.
Read also: ‘Prinsepe Bahaghari’: ‘The Little Prince’ Filipino adaptation returns this January
Above A scene from Teatrong Mulat. ng Pilipinas’ ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ (Photo: Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas)
A scene from Teatrong Mulat. ng Pilipinas’ ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ (Photo: Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas)
1 / 1
The strength of the production lies in the magic of puppetry applied by Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas into the story. This adaptation celebrates Filipino culture, myths, and language to make the play accessible, especially to children. The puppets are made from rattan, while local materials were also used in production.
Under the direction of Aina Ramolete and Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, the production has received recognition and noteworthy reviews since its first iteration as a thesis project by the director. It first premiered in November 2023 at the Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Teatro Papet Museo. It was also featured during the 14th Annual Meeting and International Conference of the Asian Theatre Working Group in March 2022 in Quezon City, Philippines, and at the “Puppet Power 2022: Celebration!” in May 2022 in Calgary, Canada.
The production was also one of the six finalists from across the globe in The Red Curtain International’s Good Theatre Festival for Young Audiences held on September 24 and 25, 2022, in India, where the play was recognised by the international jury and received Best Direction (Joint Winner) for Ramolete, Best Production, Best Production Design, and an honourable mention for Best Script for Gonzales.
Above Curtain call of ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ during its press preview at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater
Curtain call of ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ during its press preview at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater
1 / 1
Prinsipe Bahaghari is a theatrical experience unlike any other in today’s Philippine theatre scene. Thanks to the legacy left by National Artist for theatre Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, here’s a timeless story ingeniously produced that magnifies emotions, even with Bunraku puppeteers hidden in black cloaks.
“The use of the Filipino language and stories are drawn from the experiences of our people to narrate the magic and challenges of growing up, of the many ways of taking care of this world, of faith in different forms of love within and beyond the reach of the physical senses,” shared playwright Vladimeir Gonzales.
Above A scene from Teatrong Mulat. ng Pilipinas’ ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ (Photo: Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas)
A scene from Teatrong Mulat. ng Pilipinas’ ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ (Photo: Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas)
1 / 1
The puppet play revolves around the journey of the Rainbow Prince in search of a companion who would help him care for his flower, the Gumamela, and keep her safe on his home planet. During his quest, he meets several extraordinary characters and makes a friend, the Storyteller, with whom he shares his joys and hardships. Prinsipe Bahaghari’s encounters ultimately led to his realization of what his relationship with the flower meant to him.
The varicoloured animated video projections by Steven Tansiongco and character illustrations by Ramolete perfectly dabbed and swirled into Ohm David’s set design and carefully accentuated by Gabo Tolentino’s lighting design. With the artistic and production teams’ sheer dedication to making the story a spellbinding theatrical experience, Prinsipe Bahaghari captivates audiences into an emotional journey that takes flight with the music, sound design and songs by Arvy Dimaculangan and Jessamae Gabon.
Read also: Art Agenda: Here are stage plays and musicals we can’t wait to see in 2024
Above A scene from Teatrong Mulat. ng Pilipinas’ ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ (Photo: Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas)
A scene from Teatrong Mulat. ng Pilipinas’ ‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ (Photo: Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas)
1 / 1
Though I am familiar with the source material, being it a book I read in childhood, a play I watched in my teenage years, and revisited as a film in my young adult years, watching Prinsipe Bahaghari was seeing the story unfold with fresh eyes and perspectives. Again, I entered into the seeps of its poetic silences and immersed myself in the musical numbers but in a language I grew up with. Prinsipe Bahaghari calls us to use the power of wit in the most dire circumstances, sow love and understanding in building relationships with problematic people, and remember that love never dies.
The production closes with an excerpt from Merrit Malloy’s popular spoken word poetry, “Love doesn’t die, people do. So, when all that’s left of me is love, give me away” (Merrit Malloy, Epitaph, 1985).
NOW READ
How ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ perfectly communicates the anxiety of time running out
A pas de deux of music and ballet by ABT Studio Company's “Rising Stars” and Cecile Licad
A symphony of beginnings at the Goldenberg Mansion with Anya Lagman
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.
