Tanghalang Pilipino's CORIOLANO Challenges the Definition of a Hero

Manila, Philippines - This February, Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, stages Coriolano, a Filipino translation of William Shakespeare's tragic play Coriolanus, which re-examines the life of the complex, multifaceted hero. Directed by renowned film director Carlos Siguion-Reyna and translated by accomplished playwright Guelan Varela-Luarca, Coriolano runs at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) from February 22 until March 17, 2019.

Coriolano is a complex hero and this play is believed to be one of the last two tragedies written by William Shakespeare. Literature from across generations provide a clear definition of a hero; that of someone who is revered for courage, exceptional achievements, and noble traits. William Shakespeare breaks this mold by introducing paradoxical characters that challenge that very definition, as evidenced in Coriolano.

Admired for his valor and military supremacy but disdained for his resentment of the people that he actually serves, Coriolano provides one of the best examples of Shakespeare's multi-faceted and complex heroes. Coriolano starts out gaining respect and admiration from the people because of his braveryand ability to lead Rome in victory; however, his arrogance has led hom to be banished. Coriolano now becomes a tragic hero; someone whose bravery and uncanny strength is overshadowed by pride, causing him his ultimate downfall.

Playing the titular role is Marco Viaña, together with Brian Sy (Aufidio), Ms. Sherry Lara and Ms. Frances Makil-Ignacio (alternating as Volumnia), Jonathan Tadioan (Menenio), JV Ibesate (Sicinio), and Doray Dayao (Bruto), and the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company. Aside from Siguion-Reyna and Luarca, the other members of the artistic team are: Ohm David (Set), Bonsai Cielo (Costumes), TJ Ramos (Sounds), Dennis Marasigan (Lights), Brian Sy and Remus Villanueva (Choreography).

Coriolano runs at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) from February 22 until March 17, 2019, Fridays (8PM), Saturdays (3PM and 8PM), and Sundays (3PM). Tickets can be purchased at Ticketworld, or you may call Tanghalang Pilipino at (02) 832-1125, local 1621. You may also visit the Tanghalang Pilipino Facebook page for more details.