The revival of theater performances in Cebu

Since the pandemic threat has decreased, things appear to be returning to normal. The last few months have seen a rise in economic activity. This is evident in a variety of activities taking place in malls, as well as in hotels, restaurants, and many other places. At other schools, academic activities are in full swing. The same guidelines apply to theatrical works. Additionally, on November 26 and 27, only in Cebu, a sizable theatrical production will be presented at the Centerstage of SM Seaside Cebu.

Cebu is a rich center of arts and culture in addition to being a commercial and tourist hub. It takes pride in its talented and creative human resources. Undoubtedly, Cebu has produced theater shows in the past featuring local performers. And this time, The Path to Avalon: King Arthur the Musical is headed to entertain the Cebuanos with the greatest of their homegrown talents. Although these individuals have divergent backgrounds and perspectives, their love of the arts has brought them together. Long before the pandemic, some of them had theater exposure from previous theater productions. Others are also beginners yet have enormous artistic potential.

Creating significance for themselves and those around them through art and other types of creative expression has always been a goal for most of the actors. Most people devote their entire life to seeking out their true passion --the thing that motivates them to get out of bed in the morning and look forward to the day. While some people spend their entire lives looking for what makes them tick, for creative people it may almost feel like a calling, ingrained in their very DNA.

It can be the ability to play the drums with tenacity, the versatility to play any role on stage, or the musicality required to conduct a full symphony orchestra. Everyone has a unique talent for the performing arts, and with the correct path through creative education, these passions can be polished into professional expression.

In the Philippine culture, theater has a long history and is valued as an expressive, enjoyable, instructive, and engaging form of art. Theatre may be understood on many levels, whether it be academically or emotionally, and it speaks to all ages and socioeconomic groups. Folk performances, for instance, have historically been used in the Philippines for rites and healing, underscoring their significance in Filipino culture. Theater gives Filipinos a forum for constructive discussion while enticing individuals to let down their guard and discover their true selves.

Participating in the rebirth of theater productions will help us support the local artists in our community who are passionate about their work. The truth is that prior to the epidemic, we had no more than two or three significant performances. We simply cannot afford to miss seeing one that is the result of the Cebuanos' artistic essence being actively revived.

The ensemble and creative crew of The Path to Avalon: King Arthur the Musical are entirely native Cebuanos. Scottish playwright Trevor Holmes and composer Jim Donnachie wrote it and directed by our very own Cebuano Roldan Ardines. Although the material is foreign, the universal themes of humanity, bravery, compassion, kindness, loyalty, temptation, patience, love, and forgiveness are still present. It also shows bravery, and as Filipinos, we can identify with Lapu-Lapu, Dagohoy, and Jose Rizal.

Let us support our local theater artists to keep Cebuano theater alive for future productions.