FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

The 2nd National Theater Festival reeled off February 10 at 1:30 p.m. with colorful ceremonies at the CCP grounds.

Rituals of participating indigenous communities opened the "sunduan" -inspired parade when the participants were fetched by the "town criers" and a brass band from designated areas around the tourist district. Then, costumed performers danced in the streets and open spaces with the rhythms of their indigenous instruments in "mardi gras" fashion.

From the streets, the groups then proceeded to the Main Theater lobby for the Opening Ceremonies. Guest speakers included: CCP President Baltazar Endriga, Sen. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, CCP Artistic Director Deanna Ongpin-Recto, and NCCA Head Carmen Padilla.

Presentations of groups depicting the history of Philippine Theater followed. Theater personalities Tommy Abuel, Naty Crame-Rogers, and pop artist Ariel Rivera joined the opening ceremonies.

The 10 featured groups were then introduced.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

February 9 (Fri)
Morning: Arrival of Delegates
2:00-4:30 p.m. Rehearsals for Opening
5:00-7:30 p.m. Welcome Dinner
     8:00 p.m. Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
               Rest/Interaction

February 10 (Sat)
9:30-11:30 a.m. Rehearsals for Excerpts
      2:30 p.m. Parade
4:00- 5:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony
6:00- 7:00 p.m. Excerpts and Review of Performances
      7:00 p.m. Dinner
      8:00 p.m. 1896 by PETA (Main Theater)

February 11 (Sun)
9:00-11:30 a.m. Workshop
     10:00 a.m. Opening of tiangge
      2:30 p.m. Usa Ka Damgo by Sining Kambayoka (Little Theater)
      7:30 p.m. Usa Ka Damgo
      7:30 p.m. Sa Liyab ng Libong Sulo by ARTIST (Batute Theater)

February 12 (Mon)
9:00-11:30 a.m. Workshop
      2:30 p.m. Consultations with Foreign Guests
      3:00 p.m. Fili 2 by Dulaang U.P. (Main Theater)
      3:00 p.m. Sa Liyab ng Libong Sulo (Batute Theater)
      8:00 p.m. Fili 2

February 13 (Tue)
9:00-11:30 a.m. Workshop
      3:00 p.m. Sa Tabi ng Pasig by Gantimpala Theater (Batute Theater)      
      7:30 p.m. Sa Tabi ng Pasig
      8:00 p.m. Papa Isio by Kanlaon Theater and Dance Co. (Main Theater)

February 14 (Wed)
 
9:00-11:30 a.m. Inter-action
      2:30 p.m. Datu Matu by IPAG (Little Theater)               
      3:00 p.m. Papa Isio
      7:30 p.m. Datu Matu

February 15 (Thu)
9:00-11:30 a.m. Workshop
      3:00 p.m. Scenes From an Unfinished Country by PINTIG (Batute Theater)
5:00- 7:00 p.m. Cocktails for foreign guest artists
      7:30 p.m. Scenes From an Unfinished Country 
      7:30 p.m. Tud Bulol by Kahayag Dance and Theater Co. (Little Theater)

February 16 (Fri)
9:00-11:30 a.m. Workshop
      2:30 p.m. Tud Bulol
      7:00 p.m. Ralph and Caludia by PETA (Fort Santiago Theater)
      7:30 p.m. Simeon Ola by Kaboronyogan Bicol (Batute)

February 17 (Sat)
9:00-11:30 a.m. Workshop (Graduation Ceremonies)
      2:30 p.m. Noli by Tanghalang Pilipino (Little Theater)
      3:00 p.m. Simeon Ola
      7:30 p.m. Noli
      8:00 p.m. Ballet Philippines (Main Theater)

February 18 (Sun)
      8:30 a.m. Tree planting
      9:00 a.m. Rehearsals for Closing Ceremonies
9:00-11:30 a.m. Workshop
      3:00 p.m. Opening of Visual Arts Exhibit
4:00- 6:00 p.m. Closing Ceremonies
7:00-10:00 p.m. Farewell Dinner and Workshop showcase

February 19 (Mon) - 23 (Fri)
National Theater Conference, National Arts Center, Makiling
Los Banos, Laguna

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