If you happened to stumble upon a mob of men in white masks handing out red roses and hopping from campus to campus last Wednesday, worry not; it was not meant to drive you to fear. Consider it an invite to the enigmatic theatrical masterpiece making its way onto the Benilde School of Design and Arts (SDA) stage later this month titled Pamantasang Hirang (Sa Dilim Man) by Palanca award-winning playwright Tim Dacanay this November 23 to 25.
Recovering the idea from a found script written back in his college years, Dacanay paints a suspenseful story of brotherhood and coercion in this one-act play, despite how the two themes may seem to clash. Pamantasang Hirang (Sa Dilim Man), the latter part of the title an obvious spin on the name of the playwright’s alma mater, unfolds the dilemma of its main character Dan upon finding out that his roommate Raji is being initiated into the fraternity he had quit years prior, thus allowing a dark and unresolved history to resurface.
First staged at the Virgin Lab Fest in 2008, director Tuxqs Rutaquio now unveils his own take on the satirical drama starring an outstanding cast of both veteran and rising talents in the local theatre scene, presented by Batch 114 of Arts Management students.
“Ang gusto ko ay malaos ang dulang ito dahil hindi na nangyayari,” Dacanay said about the relevance of the production in a press conference last November 8, along with production manager David Laboy and some of the cast namely Theo Dacanay, Jerome Dawis, and Luis Sumera. The prevalence of hazing cases until lately is a tragic reality indeed, but this is exactly why Benilde’s re-staging of Pamantasang Hirang (Sa Dilim Man) is timely.
Through its relatable college setting and dynamic characters, the play does more than just captivate viewers with its artistry. It also initiates conversation and becomes an eye-opener to the evident injustices of our time, in line with the playwright’s dream of living in a society forever free from the inevitable dangers of hazing.
Catch the riveting production from November 23 to 25, showing twice daily at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, at the SDA 6th floor Black Box.
Priced at only Php 150, Pamantasang Hirang’s stellar cast, brilliant script, and essential message makes for a show that simply cannot be missed.
For tickets, head over to SDA’s 9th floor elevator lobby or contact Yen Desuyo (0929398994 / 09069430232).
Photos by Nicole Constante and Patricia Oliveros
