Not many have noticed that the late Francis Magalona’s
music have subversive messages. Maybe people have denied that because Francis
M, besides being the Master Rapper, had been swallowed in the shadows of the
murky world of Pinoy showbiz. Or maybe not a lot have recognized that rap or
hip hop is an art.
Inspired by the Master Rapper’s music, Mixcaela Villalon
and Rody Vera formulated the dystopian rap musical 3 Stars and a Sun with the direction of Nor Domingo and musical
arrangement of Myke Salomon. This closes PETA’s 48th season after
their successful production of Rak of
Aegis.
2026, a massive storm changed the world, depleted Mother
Nature, created chaos among humans and expunged history. A Stormdome was
constructed to save what was left from humanity. Now, 2096, the dome is divided
into classes led with corruption that spawned immense poverty. The story
revolves around two groups of kids, the rich ones from the glossy and developed
Lumino City and the rebels from the rough streets of Diliman City, who call
themselves Tropang Gising.
Tropang Gising
had been aiming to overthrow the dictatorship inside the Stormdome with several
failed attempts. The leader of Lumino City has been victorious in erasing the
memories of those inside the dome and making them her slaves. With the
conflicts arising, the two groups wonder what’s outside the dome. Why are they
so afraid to go out? Will opening the dome change their world?
Sounds familiar? Maybe. Maybe not. You may have heard of
this story from recent famous books and films. Or maybe because this is the
state of our society. The rich and
powerful ones are the minority, the poor and needy ones the majority. Can the
majority change the world? 3 Stars and a
Sun ended with that question. This play can create a few goose bumps and can
make you think what we have done to our country. It could generate hope among
Pinoys just like what Francis M’s music had wished for.
With great cast and minimalistic production design, 3 Stars and a Sun will make you fall in
love with Francis M even more. One of the leads in the cast is Bodgie Pascua,
alternating with Raffy Tejada, who plays Mang Okik tells the story behind the
Stormdome. Yes, Kuya Bodgie raps. Other members of the cast are Carla
Guevara-Laforteza, Che Ramos-Cosio, Nicco Manalo, Gold Villar, Nar Cabico,
Paolo Valenciano, Gio Gahol, Giannina Ocampo, Justine Pena among others.
3 Stars and a Sun
is now showing at the PETA Theater Center at 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon
City. This will run until Marh 6, 2016 from Tuesdays to Sundays. For tickets
and inquiries, you may call (02) 725 6244 or visit petatheater.com and
ticketworld.com.ph.
Verdict: B. Most of its entertainment value is from the
music. Of course, it’s Francis M.
 |
| The Cast and Artistic Team of 3 Stars And A Sun with Ms.Pia Magalona |
Words by Aga Posadas
Photos by Evo Joel Contrivida
Comments