Actors gather to mark Gantimpala Theater’s 25th year

A star-studded celebration is in store for all Gantimpala Theater Foundation supporters when the theater group celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on July 26.

The anniversary show billed A Silver Harvest will highlight Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s valuable contributions to Philippine theater, and feature a medley of theater-inspired songs and dances and a stellar line-up of theater, film and TV actors who have graced the Gantimpala theater stage.

Among those expected to attend are Beverly Salviejo, Christopher de Leon, Pen Medina, Earl Ignacio, Gigette Reyes, Irma Adlawan, Ricky Davao, Ronnie Lazaro, Sherry Lara, Suzette Ranillo, Johnny Delgado, Christine Bersola, Julio Diaz, Cherry Pie Picache, Mia Gutierrez, Jomr Fleras, Dinah Padilla, Adriana Agcaoili, Franny Zamora, Kimberly Diaz, Lance Raymundo, John Gaddi, Jun Pablo, Amable Quiambao.

Gantimpala Theater Foundation started as a laboratory theater at the museum gallery of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was then known as Bulwagang Gantimpala.

"We were excited because we were doing a lot of new works," says Tony Espejo, founding director of Gantimpala. "We experimented with different theater forms. We did a lot of poetry reading. Gantimpala became a venue for new writers and actors wanting to be discovered."

But some good things never last. Ten years after producing classic and award-winning plays like Katipunan, Magsimula Ka, Kanser, Hiblang Abo, and the comedy Paano Binabalatan ang Butong Pakwan, Gantimpala moved out of the CCP.

"We became victims of the Edsa revolution and the change of power. Kampante kami noon sa CCP. We were doing very well. Lahat ng plays namin patok. After the EDSA revolt, everything that and anyone who had something to do with the Marcoses had to go. We fought for it. Nick Tiongson, then CCP director, fought for us. He was one of our staunchest supporters. Pero politics prevailed."

The Metropolitan Theater became Gantimpala’s next home. At the Met, Gantimpala produced the plays, Noli, Fili, Ibong Adarna and Florante at Laura, But the Met had to close down and Gantimpala became a touring company. "Lumapit kami sa audience," says Tony.

Twenty five years later, Gantimpala is still looking for a home. "Hanggang ngayon, we are stil surviving. Survivors kami."

Tony hopes Gantimpala will go on forever. "That is my ultimate dream for the group. I also want to have our own venue and find back our home," he says.

In the meantime, Tony is busily preparing for the 25th anniversary show and the 25th season of Gantimpala plays Kanser, El Fili, Florante at Laura and Ibong Adarna to be shown in the coming months in different venues like AFP Theater, St. Cecilia’s Hall of Scholastica, Manila and RFC Cinema in Las Piñas.