CCP brings back ‘Noli Me Tangere, The Opera’ to Manila

Discover how a novel awakened the Filipino spirit to fight for the freedom of Philippines by watching Noli Me Tangere, The Opera this 2017!

Producers of internationally acclaimed Filipino opera return to the country to bring Noli Me Tangere, The Opera back in the Philippines for its second run on January 28-29, 2017 and February 1-3, 2017 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, CCP Main Theater in Pasay City.

From left to right: Director and executive producer, Jerry Sibal, with co-producer Edwin Josue

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in cooperation with J&S Productions and in participation of National Commission for Culture and the Arts, presents this first full-length opera in the country based on the 1887 classic novel of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal.

This limited six-performance run marks the 60th anniversary of the opera written by National Artist for Music Felipe de Leon and set to a libretto by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino.

It tackles a provoking and moving story on the abuses suffered by native Indios at the hands of Spanish tyrants.  Noli Me Tangere, The Opera also paints a clear picture of the so-called “social cancer” showing the corrupt government system, illicit ways of church, and unfavorable trade of the privileged class.

Renowned tenor Ronan Ferrer takes the role of Crisostomo Ibarra

In this opera, audience will meet Crisostomo Ibarra, main protagonist of the novel, and learn about his dramatic story of forbidden love, betrayal, and revenge.

Four Maria Claras, Ibarra’s bethrothed, will alternately perform for the six shows of the opera.

“See this Noli Me Tangere as it is the root of why we are Filipinos. In this way, young Filipinos will see why Rizal sacrificed his life for the Philippines,” said Edwin Josue, executive producer of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera.

Mari Yapjoco as Basilio, oldest son of Sisa

Director and executive producer Jerry Sibal also expressed that “art is a social thing. It teaches you how to communicate with people. I think that it is high time to seize the moment and do what you can do for your kababayan [countrymen].”

Sisa, mother of two young sacristans: Basilio and Crispin, will be played by Stephanie Aguilar

Noli Me Tangere, The Opera premiered at the Far Eastern University in 1957 and made its CCP debut in 1974. It recently gained critically acclaimed engagements in New York, Washington D.C., and Resorts World Manila for its well prepared dramatic stage lighting and captivating sound and effects which perfectly reflect different scenes.

Cast of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera with staff and special guests

Don’t miss the chance to witness Philippine history and nationalism in a spectacular live performance at Noli Me Tangere, The Opera. Buy your tickets online via ticketworld.com.ph or call J&S Productions Inc. at 0926-038-0548 or the CCP Box Office 02-832-3704. For more details, visit nolimetangeretheopera.com.

 

Also read: Noli Me Tangere “Touch Me Not” The Opera in 2017