“I regard the theater as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” –
Oscar Wilde
When you step into the elegantly familiar double doors of the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM Center for Culture and the Arts Theater, you’re embraced by the majestic presence of the Theater’s sophistication. From its towering ceilings, rich red velvet draperies and opulent seats, to polished wood surfaces that reflect a soft and warm golden glow from the theater lights, the Theater’s sheer beauty is overwhelming as a home of artistic talents and passions dedicated to uplift the human experience through timeless stories and performances. It ushers the audience into a different world.
In wide-eyed wonder, CCA Theater gleams even more brightly with the ovation-worthy production dubbed as “Entablado,” SLU CCA’s major production that celebrates the original musicals presented through the years. It is without a doubt that through it, arts, culture, and history have taken the center stage– well accompanied by songs, dances, and music; and of artistry, creativity, and story.
“The stage puts to life different characters and the original plays that were written specifically for CCA like Gabriela Silang: Isang Musikal, Kapadpada, Epiko, The Nine Fathers, Little Glass Slipper, Ramayana, Once Upon a Window and Inglay,“ said Ms. Normita Rio-Pablico, Head of the Center for Culture and the Arts and composer of the featured productions. These original productions were enhanced all the more by the state-of-the-art facilities of the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen CICM Center for Culture and the Arts Theater.
The Theater has been envisioned to be a center where the students’ talents and gifts in performing arts are honed. It was also vested with a special mission to emphasize the appreciation of the Culture and Arts.
Saint Louis University’s dedication to the celebration and creative expression of culture and the arts through the production of original works has always been at the core of the Center’s artistic mission, allowing the opportunity to craft unique and captivating performances that resonate with the essence of the Cordillera region.
A glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experience
‘Entablado’ has been offering a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experience, exploring various themes, characters, and narratives. The production has endured the test of time, showcasing the universality of human emotions and the complexities of human relationships. It reminds us of our shared heritage and sheds light on the historical and cultural context in which it is written, encapsulating diverse themes and narratives, bringing together a distinct disposition of tragic explorations of love and loss to uproarious comedies that reflect the absurdities of life.
As the first performance that graced the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM Center for Culture and the Arts stage, Entablado holds a profound meaning that centers on gratitude for the immense talent and grace bestowed upon CCA that created awe-inspiring shows and original plays throughout its 30-year journey.
The highlight of ‘Entablado’ has always been the outstanding collaborative performances by the five resident performing groups of the CCA: Symphonic Band, Concert Orchestra, Tanghalan SLU, Dance Troupe, and Glee Club.
Taken from the classics to contemporary works, it is a theater showcase that provides collaboration and diversity to the meaning of theater arts performances. Among the shows which make up Entablado are as follows:
Gabriela Silang:Isang Musikal (1998, 2003, 2015)
Book by Mrs. Laurel Contreras Bangaoet | Additional Script and Lyrics by Dan Rommel Riopay | Music by Normita Rio Pablico
Gabriela Silang takes its audiences back to Ilocandia through the lens of the events surrounding national heroes Gabriela and Diego Silang who led the Ilocano Independence Movement to revolt against the Spaniards in March 1762. The musical masterfully unfolds circumstances that included an assassination attempt on Diego and Gabriela’s concluding days as a leader and patriot.
The Nine Fathers (1998)
Lyrics, Script, and Direction by Dan Rommel Riopay | Music by Normita Rio Pablico
“The Nine Fathers” centers on the story of the first Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Marie (CICM) missionaries who arrived in the Philippines in the 1900s, with Baguio as its nest. In time, the missionary work extended further into the Cordilleras, Nueva Vizcaya, parishes in Manila and Rizal, and other Philippine provinces.
Once Upon a Window
Lyrics by Dan Rommel Riopay | Music by Normita Rio Pablico
The young lives of Louis and Erin Drew are at the heart of “Once Upon a Window.” With the tale’s plot interwoven with interesting and colorful cast of characters from insects, Scars, termites, including residents and nobility of Elbaf, this play highlights how children become a needed inspiration for life.
Inglay Dance Drama 2023 (2012-2013)
Music by Normita Rio Pablico | Choreography by Sherwin H. Santiago
Inglay is a story that delves deeper into social and cultural contexts of family life. When the young Cordilleran woman, Inglay, falls for Wanawan, and takes him as her husband, the struggles of the couple become complicated when Inglay is not able to bear a child. The story continues with Wanawan marrying another woman from another prominent tribe, sparking a war between origin tribes. In the height of the war and despite her own pain, Inglay still chooses love and sacrifices herself for Wanawan.
Pinatakasi: Based on Dr. Alejandro Roces’ “Something to Crow About” (2001-2002)
Lyrics by Dan Rommel Riopay | Music by Normita Rio Pablico
“Pintakasi” revolves around a local town and its townsfolk during a coming Pintakasi Cockfighting Festival. Two of the residents, Kiko and Tonya, encounter a peculiar rooster that they hope to be the answer to their struggles in life. Pintakasi shows how real quick-rich schemes and blind ambitions can get the best of anyone and that choosing one’s relationships over gambling and cockfighting is noble.
Ramayana (2015)
Lyrics by Dan Rommel Riopay | Music by Normita Rio Pablico
Based on the Sanskrit poem, Ramayana is an enchanting and mythological story about Rama and Sita’s star-crossed love. Despite being forced to the wall by time, royalty, and rivalry,they defied the odds and overcame triumphantly. They who were once star-crossed now rule blissfully together.
Little Glass Slipper (2010)
Lyrics by Dan Rommel Riopay | Music by Normita Rio Pablico
With a stepmother (Vermina), stepsisters (Pepper and Paprika), a Fairy Godmother, and a faithful friend (an Elf), Cinderella meets her Prince just like the original tale. The twist, however, is Pearl, a lady who set her eyes on the throne as the Prince’s bride, teams up with Cinderella’s stepfamily to thwart what is destined. The little glass slipper remains the constant of this tale.
Epiko (2019)
Lyrics by Dr. Peejay Bengwasan | Music by Normita Rio Pablico
Epiko tells the story of a man named Eman who needs to find a cure for his mother’s illness. In desperation, he joins the God of Death, Sidapa, and the God of War, Malandok. Soon after, he finds himself entangled in unending complexities, but soon finds that acceptance is the key to a peaceful life.
Kapadpada Dance Drama 2023
Music Enchancement and Songs by Normita Rio Pablico | Script by Katherine Nobleza | Choreography by Sherwin Santiago
Kapadpada captivated its audience as a moving historical fiction piece. The story centers on the promise of a better life for the Natives of the land. Tarnished by greed and power, the Natives instead were exploited, left to fight for their freedom. The tale highlights hope in times of adversity and the sacrifices that go along with it.
Step into Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM Center for Culture and the Arts, and let the world of Theater lead you to wonder and wander… then wonder again.
For more information on Theater shows, you may visit CCA’s Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theccaofslu
