Acclaimed director Tony Mabesa adapts and directs Dulaang UP’s fourth offering for its 39th season, the Philippine premier of William Wycherley’s The Country Wife. A classic sex comedy written in 1675, it satirizes hypocrisy and human judgment that dominated the Puritan Regime, issues that still hound contemporary society. DUP also stages Ang Misis Kong Promdi, a direct Filipino translation by Nicolas B. Pichay.
The Country Wife's plot revolves around the lives of men and women of high society; lives that are entangled in a paradox of love, marriage, reputation, mores, sexual conduct, and politics. A notorious philanderer’s homecoming ignites a series of infidelities and indiscretions. An innocent young woman from the countryside speaks honestly of her thoughts and desires posing a challenge to the gendered norms and moral codes of 16th and 17th century London.
An ensemble of seasoned theatre actors headlines the cast- Martha Comia and Sue Prado alternate as Mrs. Margery Pinchwife the “country wife” of the title, who visits London for the first time and there slowly loses her innocence. Neil Ryan Sese and Jay Gonzaga take turns playing the lecherous and manipulative Harry Horner. George de Jesus and Tarek El Tayech play Jack Pinchwife, the jealous and potentially violent husband to country bumpkin Margery. Issa Litton and Karen Gaerlan essay the role of the intelligent and morally upright Alithea. Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino suits up as Mr. Sparkish, a dimwitted and narcissistic playboy, together with alternates RS Francisco and Arvin Trinidad. Ian Ignacio and Carlo Tarobal take the stage as Frank Harcourt, a rake who falls in love with the admirable Alithea.
Completing the stellar cast are Leo Rialp, Jacques Borlaza, Adriana Agcaoili, Dolly De Leon, Brian Arda, Sigmund Pecho, Bea Paloma, Rizzy Alejandro, Joanna Lerio, Ron Biñas, CesAldaba, Francis Mata, Aurora Yumul, Chona Fernando, Gian Carlo Patelo, Regina Mendezona and Yvonne Ricaro
The artistic team is a collaboration of some of theatre’s most creative minds. Lights design by Shakira VillaSymes, sounds design by Jethro Joaquin, technical direction by MelitonRoxas Jr., set design by Clint Ramos, costumes by Eric Pineda, dramaturgy by Joanna Lerio, and photography and posters by Dino Dimar.
The Country Wife runs from November 19 to December 7, 2014 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. For tickets, sponsorships, and show buying inquiries, call Samanta Hannah Clarin or Camille Guevara 926-1349, 433-7840, 981-8500 local 2449 or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com.
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