featured in the 1996 CCP National Theater Festival and the 2004 Pilak CCP Grand Production

direction & music  STEVEN P.C. FERNANDEZ    script SATURNINA 'BEBOT' RODIL
choreography IPAG Creative Collective    set designs ARCHIBALD PACANA & JIMMY ESMERO

historical fiction in drama, dance, music, and colorful visuals. It is the Moro story during the American occupation of Mindanao circa 1903. Uncertainty, war, intrigue, romance, and human drama amidst the American colonial wars make this neo-ethnic dance-musicale a compelling coup theatre. Maranao-adapted music, movements, and lore are the interesting ingredients of this production based on the researched works of scholars and real historical events. 

Datu Matu was a 1992 CCP Playwriting Grant Awardee and was accepted as a fellowship entry to the 1994 Iligan National Writers' Workshop. 

REVIEWS

"The integrity of the play is evident from the start... [presented] with consummate ease...[showing] IPAG's perfection of the use of the pangalay movements stylized for effect in synchronized choreography." Philippine Daily Inquirer 

"Katakam-takam at naka-aakit... binigyang buhay ng nangungunang repertoryong kumpanya sa Mindanao... Nakapagbigay ng tamis ang iskrip sa pilantik ng dila. Ang mga salitang ginamit sa awitan at diskurso ay pawang may nakatagong talinhaga... Magaling ang direksyon...mahusay ang koreograpiya at daloy ng dula... nagsilbing mga tumpak na sangkap upang mabigyan ito ng spat na init. Dagdag pa ang mga pampalasang hinog sa arte, mala-anghel na boses, nakatutuwang pag-lalarong ilaw at matitingkad at makulay na damit." Philippine Collegian 

"Colorful scenes... succeed[s] in bringing to life...[a] monumental script..." Inquirer Mindanao 

"...another winner... good material... the first time the audience will see a dramatization of a direct encounter between the Muslims and the Americans... strong emotional impact..." Sunday Inquirer Magazine