Drama Production Spotslighting Faith, Kinship, and Forgiveness Runs across 2025
In this digitally dominated era, traditional values such as faith, respect, and kindness are taking a backseat, often replaced by individualism and indifference. To restoke the flames of these values that are slowly fading away, a heartfelt production has been created – a play entitled "Mga Dula sa Paglaum." This is not just an ordinary play, but a poignant reminder of the faith, respect, and kindness many seem to be forgetting. Through each story, it aims to stir emotions deep within, especially at a time when people often lose sight of what truly matters.
On April 30, 2025, a press conference was held at the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod to announce the play. Attendees included members of the media and the play's director, Monsignor Agustin Ancajas. During the conference, Monsignor Ancajas discussed the purpose behind the play and what inspired him to write it. He explained that the play is part of the celebration for the Jubilee Year 2025, a special year in the Catholic Church.
The theme for the Jubilee is "Spes Non Confundit," which means "Hope Does Not Disappoint." Monsignor Ancajas hopes that the play will help people, particularly the youth, to ponder more deeply about life, faith, and the importance of caring for one another. Asked where his inspiration stemmed from, he shared that it all began when he heard voices that wouldn't cease until they were written down. Once committed to paper, the themes unfolded naturally as writing remained his passion.
Pope Francis is one of the reasons that sparked Monsignor Ancajas' inspiration, influenced by his kindness towards people. When questioned about the success of his previous works and receiving positive feedback from the public, he acknowledged that writing the scripts was the most demanding part.
The production introduces five one-act plays, each armed with its own powerful message:
Homecoming"Even if you fail in life, your parents will always ask you to go home," said Monsignor Ancajas. This play revolves around two individuals confronting long-hidden truths and past betrayals. As they face the pain they once tried to leave behind, they ask: Can one truly return home, and is forgiveness enough to start anew?
Dance of the Black SwanThis play follows two sisters, Pia and Suzette, who are caught between holding onto their family's legacy and pursuing their own paths. When an old cassette tape resurfaces, it forces them to face painful memories and possible estrangement.
Finding My Light"No matter how far you have fallen, God will always find a way to lift you up," encourages Monsignor Ancajas. Edna's life has been marred by heartbreak and hardship. Raised by a cruel father and a silent mother, she longed for love but found pain instead. As an adult, she enters a difficult relationship with Paulo, a man torn between his past and present. His broken promises push her to the edge – but also toward finding her own light.
Way Sandalyas ni Puntil"The Church is truly a hospital for the sick and broken who need redemption. It gives hope to people," shared Monsignor Ancajas. Set in a small town, this story follows Inting, a young sacristan accused of theft. As he battles to prove his innocence, he encounters a mysterious barefoot man only he can see. The play touches on themes of faith, suspicion, truth, and unseen forces that shape our beliefs.
Misa Requiem"The Mass is the highest form of prayer, and it gives a true sense of home to those who have gone ahead of us," Monsignor Ancajas explained. In a small convent in 1984, a mysterious bell rings at dawn, creating fear and questions. Padre Tining, his niece Ursula, and local officials investigate, unearthing not just sickness and sorrow, but ancient grief that was never spoken aloud.
The play delves into the burdens that communities bear when facing death, silence, and memories from the past. With a talented cast of 24 actors, "Mga Dula sa Paglaum" aims to move both hearts and minds, inviting the audience to pause, reflect, and remember that even in the quietest corners of life, hope endures. It calls us to listen to each other's stories, return to the values that shaped us, and recognize the divine presence in our most broke moments. The grand launch is scheduled for May 2, 2025, at 7 pm at Teatro de San Pedro Calungsod in the basement parking area of SM Seaside Complex in Cebu City. Tickets are available for just P250 per performance.
Through compelling and emotionally gripping stories grounded in human experiences and enriched by faith, "Mga Dula sa Paglaum" ushers forth a moving call to rekindle faith, rebuild compassion, and repair the ties that once bound our families and communities together. As the Jubilee Year 2025 calls for spiritual renewal, this production transcends its status as a play, becoming a message to reawaken our faith, rediscover our compassion, and restore the connections that were lost in time.
- The play, "Mga Dula sa Paglaum," is scheduled to launch in Cebu City on May 2, 2025, calling people to remember the importance of faith, compassion, and family bonds.
- As the play unfolds, it delves into themes of homecoming, family legacies, personal redemption, and the power of faith to heal broken relationships.
- In 'Homecoming,' two individuals confront long-held truths and past betrayals, exploring whether forgiveness is enough to start anew.
- 'Dance of the Black Swan' follows two sisters caught between upholding their family's legacy and pursuing their own paths.
- 'Finding My Light' encourages individuals to find hope, even when they have experienced great hardship and heartbreak.
- 'Way Sandalyas ni Puntil' highlights the Church's role as a sanctuary for the lost and broken, offering redemption and hope.
- 'Misa Requiem' investigates the impact of death, silence, and memories from the past on communities, inviting audiences to reflect on the divine presence in difficult times.
- The production, inspired by Pope Francis' kindness, invites people to rethink their priorities and values, particularly the youth.
- With a cast of 24 talented actors, "Mga Dula sa Paglaum" aims to move both hearts and minds, fostering spiritual renewal and bringing communities together.
- Tickets for the play, held at Teatro de San Pedro Calungsod in the basement parking area of SM Seaside Complex in Cebu City, are available for just P250 per performance.
