CNN PH lauds “Kinaiya” plays of AJHS faculty

“Ang Pagluwal ng Aswang” and “Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala” were successfully staged at Ateneo de Manila University’s Rizal Mini Theatre from January 5 to 8, 2023. The two plays were presented as a twin-bill for Sustainable Eco Theatre’s “Kinaiya,” which was a project of the Ateneo Areté Sandbox Program and the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability. “Kinaiya” was hailed by CNN Philippines theater critic Lé Baltar for placing “environmental plunder at the forefront, confront (ing) women’s plights amidst crippling patriarchy, and offer(ing) a timely critique of the Philippines’ ever-worsening social and political milieu.”

The first play, “Ang Pagluwal ng Aswang,” was conceived by AJHS Filipino faculty Isyan Sandoval, who also researched on “Kinaiya’s” eco feminist approach in sustainable eco-theater. “Pagluwal…” was praised by Lé Baltar as “Searing and openly defiant… (a work that) obliges us to confront our tragic past and our far more tragic present…” “Pagluwal” featured a cast that included AJHS teachers Elizabeth Alindogan, Airalyn Gara, Austin Gonzales, JJ Ignacio, Errol Perez, Eunice Reyes, VJ Serag, and Kevin Solis. In its review, CNN singled out JJ Ignacio’s “incredible” portrayal of a local leader, praising him for “…creating a walking contradiction out of the community captain who claims to serve the interest of the townspeople but, in the same breath, welcomes with open arms the very people who exploit and turn Pinagkrusan into a ghost town.”

The second play in the double bill, “Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala,” was directed by AJHS Filipino faculty Jerome Ignacio. His direction was lauded by CNN PH for “…go(ing) for a warmer route, relentlessly offering the work with levity,” and for “…toy(ing) with humor at every turn.” Meanwhile, the costume designs for “Maria Isabella…” by AJHS faculty Kevin Solis and Jaydee Andrada were described as “glorious.”