If you’ve been around Pampanga for the last few weeks, I think you would have stumbled upon some banners promoting IMA. It was to be shown on January 30 and thankfully my mom got tickets for it courtesy of Tita Madeline Gomez. It was a formal event that was held at Holy Angel University, with guests all decked out in Formal or Filipiniana attire.
But what is IMA?
IMA (A Kapampangan Musical) was presented by Teatru Ima at Arti (MaARTI). IMA had an all-female cast who, believe-it-or-not, are all 50 years old and above. To add to my awe, they’re not only women in their prime, but they are all not actors. They are members of the upper society who are all successful not only in their chosen careers but also in their family life. MaARTI was conceptualized by Mr. Andy Alviz who also directed the play.
In watching the play, one will not notice (well, except with the seldom technical glitch especially in the sound system) that those who are onstage are not really theatre actresses. Imagine a group of 50+ women crooning songs, dancing together, delivering brilliant (read: deep Kapampangan words that even my mom, when I ask and believe me I asked her a lot of times, didn’t know) and often funny exchanges amongst them. Every scene was received by astounding applause by us audience.
The main story of the play was simple; a daughter of a rich family is planning to throw a surprise birthday party for her elderly mom. The story starts out in the market place and ended up in the party where everyone sang Masayang Kebaitan Keka (Happy Birthday to You). The script was brilliant that even though the main storyline is simple, it managed to convey the different cultures and traditions (positive and negative) of the Kapampangans and also the bittersweet lives of older women in the society. The end result? It was funny, entertaining, and it put forth a message in women empowerment, and the sense of pride for being a Kapampangan.
No wonder, it received a standing ovation after the curtain call.
But what is IMA?
IMA (A Kapampangan Musical) was presented by Teatru Ima at Arti (MaARTI). IMA had an all-female cast who, believe-it-or-not, are all 50 years old and above. To add to my awe, they’re not only women in their prime, but they are all not actors. They are members of the upper society who are all successful not only in their chosen careers but also in their family life. MaARTI was conceptualized by Mr. Andy Alviz who also directed the play.
In watching the play, one will not notice (well, except with the seldom technical glitch especially in the sound system) that those who are onstage are not really theatre actresses. Imagine a group of 50+ women crooning songs, dancing together, delivering brilliant (read: deep Kapampangan words that even my mom, when I ask and believe me I asked her a lot of times, didn’t know) and often funny exchanges amongst them. Every scene was received by astounding applause by us audience.
The main story of the play was simple; a daughter of a rich family is planning to throw a surprise birthday party for her elderly mom. The story starts out in the market place and ended up in the party where everyone sang Masayang Kebaitan Keka (Happy Birthday to You). The script was brilliant that even though the main storyline is simple, it managed to convey the different cultures and traditions (positive and negative) of the Kapampangans and also the bittersweet lives of older women in the society. The end result? It was funny, entertaining, and it put forth a message in women empowerment, and the sense of pride for being a Kapampangan.
No wonder, it received a standing ovation after the curtain call.
1 comment:
wasn't able to watch their maiden show. can't wait for their repeat on friday! i'm definitely watching. :)
keep blogging. :)
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