The National Dramatic Arts Committee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is launching the 16th Tanghal University and Community Theater Festival from February 14 to 26 online, in time for the National Arts Month celebration.
Collaboration has always been the nature of theater works in the Philippines, especially before the outbreak of the pandemic.
However, the pandemic created an atmosphere where face-to-face encounters with co-casters and crew and audiences had to be contained and stopped for nearly two years.
Engaging in the use of digital platforms, theater artists are also challenged to launch and elevate into new realities the conduct of more collaborative works.
With this, 72 theater organizations present performances that aim to showcase creative ways to respond to the current pandemic, natural calamities, and other social challenges.
In line with this year’s theme “Sining ng Pag-asa: Theater Beyond Boundaries Amid All Social and Environmental Challenges”, the performances are grouped into three sub-themes: Essentials of Theater in Community Life February 14 and 18; Acting for climate justice on February 18 and 21; and Culture and Human Rights on February 23 and 25.
On February 26, the festival culminates with collaborative theatrical performances between regional networks.
The 16th Tanghal is organized by Lusong Arts and Culture Network in collaboration with Arts Research and Training Institute in Southern Tagalog Incorporated (ARTIST Inc.), with the assistance of their regional partner organizations namely Pasundayag Theater Company of Mindanao, YATTA from Visayas, Linang Arts and Culture Network Inc. in Luzon and Guro ng Sining, Inc. from the National Capitol area.
Mr. Edward Perez is leading this event with the support of Dr. Felimon Blanco, head of the NCCA’s Dramatic Arts Committee.
This flagship project of the NCCA aims to highlight the role of the arts in improving the lives of communities in the Philippines. All performances can be viewed at facebook.com/ARTISTIncPH.
For any inquiries, you can contact the 16th TANGHAL secretariat at [email protected] or call Ms. Sovie Vallejos at 09672967699. You can also visit the ARTIST center in Sampaguita cor. Rosal Sts, Carbern Town, Anos, Los Banos, Laguna.
