The Xavier Stage

The Xavier Stage is a resident repertory theatre company of Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) which aims at shaping a university theater that involves students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community. – from Facebook

A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Isa ka Damgo (2013)

Directed by Hobart Savior
Adapted by Sining Kambayoka Ensemble

7 reasons to watch The Xavier Stage’s version of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

The Xavier Stage once again embarks on giving a twist to a classic play by adapting it in the Philippine context. William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be transformed into a Pre-Islamic Maranao setting. TXS’ performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream has garnered positive reviews from various audiences since it was first staged in 2013 for its timeless Shakespearean substance fused with ancient Meranao culture and folklore.

Photos by Maverick Ocampo [1] [2]

The Xavier Stage presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Review

The language connection in itself is already a feat: filling in Shakespeare’s plot with native Cebuano is hard enough that you’ll get easily lost in translation. It uses the Cebuano language intricately and artfully (yes that includes rhymes), yet it is so carefully chosen that it doesn’t alienate modern speakers, thus breaking down the barriers that hinder our connection to the full range of emotion the story tells. Add to that, the ancient Maranao culture and folklore added the depth and connection that brings us closer to home. With all of these elements brought together, the adaptation, instead of coming up with a jumble of a play, breaks down the complex truths, details, and emotions and rearranges it into a simpler experience, which made it completely riveting.

 

Hamlet Recursos (2014)

Adaptation by Layeta Bucoy

Hamlet (Recursos) is about hunger for power and revenge evinced in issues surrounding current Filipino society such as illegal mining, political dynasties and clan wars. – Xavier University

Photos by Nicco Sanchez

Recursos: A riveting retelling of the story of Hamlet

From an unconventional point of view, the mining industry was put on spotlight in this play. While most of the available literature takes on the perspectives of those who were and are still oppressed, especially those who are working as small miners in communities, the play made its audience understand the industry from the perspectives of those on the top, business owners and the like, especially their motivations and their lack of awareness and sensitivity to those on the other side of the equation. Metaphorically, the mining industry in this play represented, in a deeper way, how the humanities of the main characters were dug out as they were exposed to temptations, dilemmas, and existential struggles.