Ending their 44th season with a bang is Artistang Artlets.

Mula Sa Akin, an original musical from the theatre guild of the University of Santo Tomas’ liberal arts faculty, is a resonant and stirring work about the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of art.

The two-act play, which runs for 1h and 50m, is about playwright Januari’s desire for change and this continued desire in their second life as Janus in the face of denial and absence of freedom.

It’s just fitting that a story of suppression was adapted into a musical. Musicals allow characters to express what they cannot exactly articulate. When the emotions become too overwhelming, you sing. When the emotions become too strong for song, you dance.

Acting from the Bottom of One’s Heart

Portraying the character of Januari is Khaylie Rozaldo, whose soulful performance and rich voice get to you. Rozaldo captures the character’s struggles and resilience with remarkable nuance. Her duet with Lita, played by Tiffany Ducusin, is just enchanting. Heart Flores and Abigail Misagal also stun as Estrella and Jin, respectively, while Arjay Magbanua as Paulo is successful in grounding the story.

Janus is played by Aria Aquino, whose defiance enchants and contrasts with Januari’s. Aquino embodies a spirit that cannot be tamed. Shierrah Sumacot, who plays Lilith and assisted in providing the play’s original music, commands the stage with her terrific voice. The trio of Alessandra Papas, Benhur Rafer, and Jem Gonzales as Jane, Apollo, and Stella, respectively, also bring the story the gravitas it deserves and needs. Yman Roxas, as Malaquias, impresses with his vocals. His presence was necessary in showing the stagnancy of human nature despite the passage of time.

Preserving History and Humanity

Artistang Artlets tackled complex themes with such maturity, which writers Romayne Humiwat and Edgar Moses Oliva must have drawn from rich life experiences. Having the privilege to watch a play fully acknowledge the vitality of the arts in preserving our history and humanity is just incredible and important.

The arts capture the stories, struggles, and dreams that define who we humans are, and it is imperative that future generations remember. As echoed by Humiwat, who also served as director, change is not something to fear but rather something to move forward with.

Mula Sa Akin makes for a good, thoughtful experience at the theatre. For information on show dates and how to buy tickets, you may visit Artistang Artlets’ official Facebook page.

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