The Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) stages another Gabriel Garcia-Marquez short story as an experimental play for the opening of its 91st season.
NIYEBE: ISANG MUSIKAL is a groundbreaking production, featuring music and musical direction by Vince Lim, assisted by Jesus Singh III (IAS ‘17) for additional guidance and vocal coaching, choreography by Carlon Matobato, and choreography, adaptation, lyrics, and direction by Dudz Teraña, is set to captivate audiences from February 12 to March 27, 2025.
Against the backdrop of Europe’s harsh winter, Niyebe: Isang Musikal tells the tragic story of newlyweds Billy Sanchez and Nena Deconte, whose honeymoon turns into a nightmare. A small scrape on Nena’s finger leads to death! Stranded in a foreign land, Billy grapples with solitude, grief, and despair, forced to confront profound questions about existence, purpose, and identity in the aftermath of his wife’s sudden death. All this while, he battles the relentless bureaucracy that ultimately denies him the chance to see his wife one last time.
The musical production features a dynamic cast with Billy Sanchez played by RB Pascua (IAS ‘25) and Dave Bambang (IARFA ‘29), Nena Deconte by Kesiah Eunice Aritao (IAS ‘25) and Brigitta Claire Marilla (IAS ‘25), and the Narrator by Aaron Bayani (FIT ‘25).
Also featured is a dynamic ensemble cast, whose collective talent and synergy will enhance the depth and vibrancy of the musical’s narrative and performances.
Director and writer Dudz Teraña masterfully adapts García Márquez’s story into a compelling theatrical experience that fuses music, movement, and rich storytelling. “Niyebe isn’t just a love story; it’s a reflection of how the fragility of happiness and loss can spiral into a deep existential crisis,” says Teraña. “Reimagined as an experimental play, it employs a unique narrative style while delving into societal issues such as class disparity, which inspired García Márquez’s original work. Much like his other works, it speaks on existentialism, the questioning of one’s purpose after a sudden loss, and the wanting of escapism triggered by this loss.”
The show’s brilliance lies not only in its powerful performances but also in the dedicated work of its creative and production team. From the seamless execution by Stage Manager Maria Y Ysabel Delos Reyes (IAS ‘27) to the logistical coordination of Production Manager Janah Gervacio (IHSN ‘26), and House Manager Hans Fernandez, every aspect of the show is meticulously managed. The production’s aesthetic vision is brought to life by Production Design Head Kirstan Orbegoso (IAS ‘28) and Costume Designer Margarita Barrameda (IAS ‘26), and the technical team led by Technical Head Kristian Samson (IAS ‘26), with lighting design by Arvin Javier (IAS ‘28), sound by Gab Lazaro (FIT ‘27), and video projections by Shawn Tarala (IAS ‘27). Offstage, the show is supported by Marketing Relations Head Cassandra Herilla (IAS ‘27), Creative Head Julia Nicole Ramas (FIT ‘27), Multimedia Heads Davewyn Macawile (IAS ‘25) and Millicent Roxas (IAS ‘25), Media Relations Head Heleina Li (IAS ‘27), Collaborative Relations Head Irish Oliveros (IAS ‘28), and Social Media Manager Renz Dotillos (IAS ‘26), ensuring that Niyebe resonates with audiences both on and off the stage.
With a unique blend of captivating performances, evocative music, and innovative design, Niyebe is more than just a musical— it’s a deeply moving exploration of love and loss.
