ππ¨ π§ππππ‘π§π¦ π¦πππ‘π ππ‘ π§ππ π‘ππ§ππ’π‘ππ ππ‘π ππ‘π§ππ₯π‘ππ§ππ’π‘ππ π§ππππ§ππ₯ π¦πππ‘π
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: LUPTO | Date: December 2021
With the restrictions brought about by the current pandemic, theater halls may be closed, and stages may be empty, but that does not mean that nothing is happening for local and international actors of La Union. Community-based theater group Dulaang ELYU brought the province's talents to the virtual stage of the 15th Tanghal National University and Community-based Theater Festival. At the same time, Balaoan, La Union native Winchester Lopez continues to shine in the Vienna, Austria production of the Broadway hit musical Miss Saigon.
Dulaang ELYU's drama piece "Kayatayo'' focused on the festival's theme "Theater in New Normal Life" and created a platform for conversations on theater practice including, challenges and opportunities on the national and global scales during the so-called "New Normal." Their performance showcased the power of a community working together during difficult times. The 15th Tanghal, which is the fourth time the group is participating, highlighted the traditions and interweaving boundaries that make up the theater fiber of each region towards a colorful fabric of Philippine theater.
"Our mission is to explore collaborative platforms so it is imperative to continuously tap on our network of performers from different theater groups across the province for most of our performances," Dulaang ELYU's Production Manager Vernon Albert Cabading shared during an interview with La Union Provincial Tourism Office (LUPTO) β Culture and Arts Section (CAS). Cabading added that the creative team continues to make plans for the group and future productions amidst the pandemic.
On the other hand, Winchester Lopez enjoys his stint as an international theater performer in the Vienna, Austria tour of 'Miss Saigon'. Lopez plays the Swing/Dance Captain role - a challenging but fulfilling role for him. Aside from being a professional dance teacher, Lopez has been a professional jazz and contemporary dance artist for more than 17 years. So snagging in the hit Broadway musical is truly a milestone in his professional art career.
In a virtual interview, Lopez said that 'Miss Saigon' is opening its doors for many Filipino and Asian talents since the play's setting is in war period Vietnam. "This is life-changing for a lot of Asian actors and me. Every aspiring Asian actor out there would love to get into a big-scale show like this. It has opened up many opportunities for Asian actors and has put [us] on the map. We're grateful for this kind of show that we have been given the opportunity to be involved in.", Lopez added.
After finishing primary education in Balaoan, La Union, Lopez qualified for a full dance scholarship in Philippine High School for the Arts in Makiling, Laguna. His stint in the University of the Philippines (UP) Filipiniana Dance Group earned him a scholarship and degree in the same university.
With this pride for the province, the Provincial Government of La Union commits its continued support to the artistic and cultural organizations. It shall be steadfast in nurturing opportunities and life-changing experiences in culture and the arts towards a Stronger La Union β a province worth living in.
