“SI JANUS SILANG AT ANG TIYANAK NG TÁBON” - THE AWARD-WINNING YOUNG ADULT BESTSELLER COMES ALIVE ON STAGE

Press release

Tanghalang Ateneo, the longest-running theater company of the Ateneo de Manila University’s Loyola Schools, continues its 38^th season: De/Constructing Narratives with a production of  the award-winning young adult bestseller “Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon” by Palanca awardee Edgar Calabia Samar.

            Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon won the 2015 National Book Award for Novel in Filipino and the 2016 National Children’s Book Award for Best Read for Kids.

The play will be the first live action adaptation of the book. Two-time Palanca First Prize winning playwright Guelan Varela-Luarca adapted Samar’s work while Tanghalang Ateneo alumnus Charles Yee is bringing it to life onstage.

            Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon takes place in the everyday world of an adolescent boy, Janus, whose world is turned upside down when characters from his favorite computer game and comic books appear and disrupt his personal life thereby forcing him to confront the mystery of his bloodline and his destiny.

            Ateneo High School’s Earvin Estioco plays the title role of Janus Silang, a teenager who frequents the Malakas Internet Shop in Balanga where he plays TALA Online with his friends. His father disapproves of this which is why he often gets in trouble with him.

Ateneo Grade School’s Joachim Galvez and Sam Tango alternate as Juno, the tiyanak from Philippine mythology who disguises as Janus’ younger brother.

            Allan Forte as Mang Joey, a bagani (protector of the Pusong bloodline) who becomes Janus’ mentor.

Bong Cabrera, JJ Ignacio and Diega Villanueva as Juan and Josie, Janus’ parents. Juan however is really a do-ol, a mythical creature sent by the tiyanak to keep an eye on Janus. By the time the play opens, Janus’ real father has already been dead for three years.

Cloie Hilomen as Mica, the love interest and classmate of Janus.

John Sanchez as Harold, Janus’ friend who dies along with other gamers upon reaching Level 9 of TALA Online.

Jacob Whittaker as Renzo, the messenger of Mang Joey tasked to meet and accompany Janus to him.

Dr. Jerry Respeto, Fr. Rene Javellana, SJ, and Xander Soriano alternately play the role of the mysterious Bungisngis. Mang Joey’s brother who disguises himself to watch over Janus.

           

            Ateneo theater practitioners Peanuts Valerio, Ace Elgar and Soc de los Reyes, and the Tanghalang Ateneo ensemble of actors complete the cast.

             The artistic team of Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon is composed of Tanghalang Ateneo Artistic Director and Moderator Glenn Sevilla Mas, Charles Yee (Direction), Guelan Varela-Luarca (Adaptation), Gwyn Guanzon (Set Design), Mitoy Sta. Ana (Costume Design), Toni Muñoz (Sound and Music Design), Delphine Buencamino and Zyda Baaya (Choreography), and Gab Mesina, Diana David, and Victor Datu (Graphics Design).

            The playdates of Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon are February 1-4, 7-11, 13-16, 18, and 21-25. Performances start at 7:30PM while Saturday matinee shows start at 2:30PM.

            For questions and additional details about the show, please contact Dean Silva at 0916-314-5475.

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