Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas breathes new life into José Rizal’s masterwork by splitting the world of Noli Me Tángere into two contrasting emotional spaces: fiestas and muertos. Rather than staging a conventional costume drama, this bold reimagining pits forced colonial revelry against the quiet decay of an oppressed society. Through this tension, the theatrical piece exposes how lavish religious spectacles often mask systemic abuse, widespread hardship, and civic despair.
In Fiestas y Muertos, vibrant communal rites challenge strict colonial hierarchies to reveal the resilient pulse of an enduring community. The residents of San Diego transcend their traditional historical molds, emerging as enduring symbols of sacrifice trapped within an unraveling empire. What unfolds on stage is a dynamic testament to survival under the weight of severe colonial power.
A dynamic mix of theater veterans and emerging performers brings this reimagined classic to the stage, featuring Jerom Canlas as Crisostomo Ibarra and Justine Peña as Maria Clara. Acclaimed actor Peewee O’Hara offers a fresh perspective as Inay Dorang (a reimagining of Pilosopo Tasyo), joined by Ross Pesigan as the defiant Elias and Elora Españo as Salome. Audiences can look forward to even more talent as the rest of the cast lineup is officially unveiled soon.
The production is helmed by director José Estrella and adapted by Andrew Estacio, drawing inspiration from National Artist Virgilio S. Almario’s Filipino translation of Rizal’s novel. A formidable artistic ensemble shapes the world, featuring dramaturgs Sir Anril Tiatco and Jem Javier alongside set designer Charles Yee and costume artist Carlos Siongco. The creative team also brings together visionary talents across lighting, movement, sound, and multimedia to build an immersive theatrical experience.
Ultimately, Fiestas y Muertos pushes viewers past historical reflection into urgent, contemporary interrogation. It asks audiences to identify which destructive institutions, illusions, and oppressive systems must fall for true liberation to take root. By turning Rizal’s classic into an active mirror, Dulaang UP invites everyone to witness the spectacle and confront the truth.
Fiestas y Muertos will run from October 23 to November 15, 2026 at the IBG-KAL Theatre, UP Diliman. See the standard ticket prices below:
Ticket Type
- Regular PHP 1,200
- UP Community PHP 690
(Undergraduate/Graduate Students and Employees)
*Valid only for Friday shows
- PWD/Senior Citizen/UP Alumni/Non-UP Student PHP 960
Show Schedule:
Fridays
October 23, November 13
7:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays
October 24 and 25, November 8, 14, and 15
2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
For sponsorship opportunities, block reservations, showbuying, and early ticket inquiries, contact the Dulaang UP Marketing Team at dulaangup.marketing.upd@up.edu.ph or follow Dulaang UP’s official social media pages for updates.
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