There are stories that are too old and too familiar but need to be retold, replayed, and restaged. The life and death of Jesus Christ is the story that we all know but there will always a creative way to narrate it . I just watched Papet Pasyon, a puppet play depicting the life and crucifixion of Christ. This was staged at Teacher’s Village in Quezon City by Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, the first in children’s theater and puppetry in the Philippines. Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, Mulat founder, wrote the Papet Pasyon in 1985. Teatro Mulat has been performing Papet Pasyon for free every Palm Sunday of the year. They hope to bring Christ’s story closer to children through puppetry.
sorry for the poor photo quality of my phone… but the puppets are 100x better than this photo
with , Dr. Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, Department Chair -UP Speech and Theatre Arts and Jesus Christ puppetPuppeteer of Maria/ MaryPuppeteer of Judas
64 Mapagkawanggawa St., Teachers Village, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
You can also find a collection of puppets, dolls and toys Teatrong Mulat
Like stories of legendary heroes, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ has been retold in many ways and in different places. As we know, passion plays are performed during holy week. Some made their own material. Some had revisions and adaptations. Some for academic purposes, and some for religious purposes, some for performance sake.
Because of the story’s familiarity, a play about Jesus Christ tends to be boring and dragging. Its predictability may not excite people.
Chancel Repertory Theater stages The Choice, a musical play depicting the time of Jesus Christ. But the superstar of the play is not Jesus Christ. The story revolves around the character, Marcus, a Roman soldier. He then who fell in love with a Jewish girl, Hannah. Hannah then introduced Marcus to Jesus to heal his servant and Hannah’s uncle, Amaziah.
It may be another play about Jesus but what makes it more substantive is that it contextualizes the status of Jesus in his time. It goes beyond the crucifixion. It gives audience a clear picture on why the crucifixion is not a simple truth. To describe it as heroic is not enough to show the significance of Jesus being nailed on the cross.
Unlike other plays, its language is very accessible. The choreography has a modern touch. The music weaves the story and conveys a message pleasing to the ear.
If you have time, I hope you get to watch the play. I’m grateful to be part of this production whose commitment and passion are worthy of admiration.
Original book, lyrics and music by Robert & Cindy Sterling
Adaptation by Pamela Imperial & Steven Conde
Schedule:
Sept. 23, 2012 (Sunday) – 3pm Hope Christian High School / 730pm UECP – Venue
