We have witnessed the most polarizing national elections in recent history. With our personal relationships on the line, are we willing to sacrifice our principles and ideals for unity? And for what price?
Dulaang UP opens its 45th Theatre Season with THE RECONCILIATION DINNER, a new one-act play by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter M. Santos.
The play follows the lives of close family friends—the Medinas and the Valderamas—who are forced to confront their personal differences amid the looming political turmoil in the Philippines.
This dark comedy features a powerhouse ensemble led by seasoned actors Stella Cañete-Mendoza and Frances Makil-Ignacio. Joining them are Randy Medel Villarama, Jojo Cayabyab, Nelsito Gomez, Harriette Mozelle, and Dulaang UP first-timer Phi Palmos.
Collaborating with Quintos and Santos are Charles Yee (set), Mitoy Sta. Ana (costume), Loren Rivera (lights), Arvy Dimaculangan (sounds), Steven Tansiongco (video and poster), and Jojit Lorenzo (photography).
THE RECONCILIATION DINNER is set to run from November 18 to 20 at the UP Theater Main Hall Stage, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me (https://ticket2me.net/e/36022). The production will also have a limited video-on-demand release via Ticket2Me.
For ticket inquiries and sponsorship, you may email us at dulaangup.upd@up.edu.ph or message our Facebook Page: Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP Official Page).
#DUPTheReconciliationDinner #DUP45 #DUPBalikwas #HappeningPH
Synopsis
THE RECONCILIATION DINNER follows the lives of close family friends—the Medinas and the Valderamas – who are forced to confront their personal differences amid the looming political turmoil in the Philippines. The one-act play opens with an intimate dinner at the Medinas in 2016. It was a get-together no different from all their past dinners until tension ensued with a fervid conversation about then-president Rodrigo Duterte’s policies and leadership style. Red flags swept under the rug, both families agree to keep the personal away from the political for the sake of preserving the friendship they have built over the years. The dinner ends with dessert, a ceasefire, and a civil war waiting to happen.
The succeeding years under the Duterte administration further reveal both families’ opposing views. Social media timelines turn into arenas for direct and indirect political bardagulan that slowly but incisively tarnish their relationships. Now at the cusp of the most polarizing national elections in recent history, the families’ political colors have been made Facebook Official. Lines have clearly been drawn inevitably leading to more digital tirades and more emotional dents. But before entirely severing ties, just as the dust from the elections had settled, a personal tragedy found a way to get the Medinas and the Valderamas all together again. The play culminates with a reunion – a reconciliation dinner – to heal, move on, and leave the remnants of the war behind.
With priced relationships on the line, how far are they willing to sacrifice their principles and ideals? And for what price?
Cast
Stella Cañete Mendoza – Dina Medina
Frances Makil Ignacio – Susan Valderama
Randy Medel Villarama – Bert Medina
Jojo Cayabyab – Fred Valderama
Nelsito Gomez – Ely
Hariette Mozelle – Mica
Phi Palmos – Norby
Artistic and Production Team
Floy Quintos – Playwright
Dexter M. Santos – Director
Charles Yee – Set Designer
Mitoy Sta. Ana – Costume Designer
Loren Rivera – Technical Director and Lights Designer
Arvy Dimaculangan – Sounds Designer
Steven Tansiongco – Video and Poster Designer
Marvin Olaes – Dramaturg
Davidson Oliveros – Dramaturg
Mikko Angeles – Assistant Director
Jojit Lorenzo – Photographer
Joshua Caesar Chan – Production Manager
Rico Angelo Blanco – Stage Manager
Playdates
November 18 (Friday), 7:30 PM
November 19, (Saturday), 10:30 AM
November 19 (Saturday), 3:00 PM
November 19 (Saturday), 7:30 PM
November 20 (Sunday), 10:30 AM
November 20 (Sunday), 3:00 PM
November 20 (Sunday), 7:30 PM
Tickets
Tickets are available via Ticket2Me. Visit this link: https://ticket2me.net/e/36022
Showbuyers’ Information:
For the November 19, (Saturday), 10:30 AM show, contact Cj Barinaga (09954077610) or Ivan Rivera (09171897171).
For the November 20, (Sunday), 10:30 AM show, contact Ms. Carmen Silverio Roxas (0969 298 9946 | carmen_silverio@hotmail.com) for the benefit of Angat Buhay Foundation.
Venue Details
University Theater Main Hall Stage, UP Diliman, Quezon City
Google Maps link: https://bit.ly/UPTheaterGMaps
Waze Pin: University Theater Magsaysay Avenue
*Theater entrance via UP Aldaba Recital Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman
Streaming Details
Via Ticket2Me. More details to follow.
