Tanghalang Molave (TM), the official theatre organization of the Department of Performing Arts at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), will stage Malou Jacob’s Juan Tamban as one of its major productions in March 2025. As part of TM’s rich history, it has consistently staged both classical and contemporary Filipino plays that reclaim and highlight Filipino narratives. Through compelling, student-led productions, the organization seeks to showcase the country’s vibrant culture.

“Piglas”: A Season of Resistance and Freedom

This season, PUP TM highlights “Piglas” as its season theme. To clarify, “Piglas” asserts identity through resistance narratives. “Piglas” explores stories concerning our freedom and resilience quest. Historically “Piglas” became a symbol of our independence struggle. This evokes memories of fighting oppressive regimes. “Piglas” embodies breaking free from societal constraints. Furthermore, it expands liberation from personal to historical revolution.

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As part of this theatre season, PUP TM stages Malou Jacob’s “Juan Tamban”. This play is
considered as one of the well-researched and landmark plays of contemporary Philippine theater. This play was initially staged by the PETA Kalinangan Ensemble in 1979 and won Second Prize in the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

“Juan Tamban” centers on Juan Tamban, who reported eating cockroaches and lizards. For instance, he did this to attract attention. Marina Torres investigates his case for her thesis. In the process, she faces the reality of Juan, his family, and society.

The Creative Team and Cast Behind “Juan Tamban”

Joseph Victor Deseo directs this staging with assistant directors. Specifically, Novelyn Nalic and Miguel Decena, BPeA students.

The team consists of collaborators from the BPeA program. For example, Mico Napata leads Set and Property Design. In addition, Keesha Leigh Bula heads Costume, Hair, and Make-up Design. Lawrence Ojeda designs Lighting, and Exodia Sarto designs Music. Patrick Aquino designs Sound, and Mark Rosadeño manages Graphic Design. Moreover, Danica Layne Reyes and Thea Lorraine Renon handle Dramaturgy. Danica Layne Reyes designs Projection, and Patricia de Andres directs Technical aspects. Erica May Camacho and Chariz Dianne Cudog are production managers. Ginny Arorong, Angel Corpuz, and Charlotte Openaria are stage managers. Crizza Villanueva is the marketing head, and Batty Stephyy is sales manager. Finally, Alfred Filip Jacinto is the house manager.

The cast features of a pool of actors from the BPeA program: Dave Del Socorro in the titular role of Juan Tamban; Shenah Mae Dizon, Frances Marie Akol, and Perssian Austria alternating as Marina Torres; and Art Cristobal as Mang Tino; Clark Suva, Andrea Contreras, Fernando Jose Pabeloña, Paul Cariaga, Myx Cayabyab, Analyn Marasigan, Aubrey Ga, and Ymanuel Puno as Principal Ensemble Members; and Al Paul Crieta, Hashie Rodolfo, Ivan Hinggan, and Koleen Albero as Core Ensemble Members.

“Juan Tamban” remains one of the most signi cant plays in Philippine theatre, continuing to challenge the ongoing struggles related to child poverty in the country.

“Juan Tamban stems from an actual incident, reported in the newspapers, about a boy who ate cockroaches and lizards to gain attention. It triggered PETA to do an inquiry, which led to the idea of writing a play for the International Year of the Child. Juan Tamban is a landmark in Philippine modern theater because of its well-researched and realistic portrayal of contemporary social problems, and its combination of both realism and nonrealistic styles” (CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts, 2020).

Witness PUP Tanghalang Molave on March 11-13, 2025. Specially, shows are at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. The venue is the PUP Theater, COC Compound, Anonas St., Manila. Tickets are 50 pesos (PUPians) and 100 pesos (non-PUPians). Purchase tickets via PUP Tanghalang Molave’s social media.