Exploring Family in a New Light with ‘Kisapmata’
Tanghalang Pilipino ended its 38th season with a stage adaptation of ‘Kisapmata.’
Words Yra Luis Gener Gutierrez
Photos courtesy of Martina Reyes
March 18, 2025
On March 7, 2025, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) opened its doors to stage a theatrical adaptation of Kisapmata at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez that is set to run until March 30.
During the gala night and before the staging of the play, Carmela Millado-Manuel, TP company manager, welcomed and briefed the audience on the staging.
“Bihirang maging production ito ng Tanghalang Pilipino, sana patuloy niyo kaming suportahan. We have great plans for our company, great plans in the future,” she said.
The theater company concludes its 38th season with a production inspired by crime reports, The House on Zapote Street, written by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin and adapted from Mike de Leon's film of the same title.
While Tanghalang Pilipino's current theme is “REVOLT,” it is creatively reversed to “TLOVER” to explore themes of love, loyalty, and family. Fernando “Tata Nanding” Josef emphasized that love has always been the core mission of the company.
“Tanghalang Pilipino will continue to revolt against existing evil forces that have destroyed, and are continuously destroying the innate human goodness, compassion, and love for fellow human beings,” he said.
Kisapmata tells the story of the Carandang family: a retired policeman, his wife, and their daughter living under one roof along Zapote Street. It's a home where love serves as the law and order. Tatang and Nanang dutifully fulfill their roles as parents, creating the illusion of a perfect family. However, when their daughter Mila falls in love, Tatang becomes increasingly wary of her romantic partner.
Concerned for his daughter’s well-being, Tatang begins to enforce stricter rules. This stage adaptation unveils the dark truth beneath the surface of domestic bliss, shedding light on the struggles women face in the face of domestic abuse.
The cast features members of the company: Jonathan Tadioan as Dadong, Marco Viaña as Noel, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan as Dely, and Toni Go Yadao as Mila.
This production is adapted and directed by Guelan Varela-Luarca, with assistant direction by Kat Batara and Rafael Jimenez. The creative team includes movement direction by JM Cabling, costume design by Bonsai Cielo, set and video design by Joey Mendoza, music and sound design by Arvy Dimaculangan, technical direction, lighting, and video production design by D Cortezano, and intimacy direction by Missy Maramara.
