Cebu City, Cebu, August 20, 2011 - Hiyas Kayumanggi takes a surprising revisit to the literary epic poem written by the early inhabitants of Sulod, Philippines. After several re-stages in Luce Auditorium, Siliman University in 2010 and demands from the cultural societies in the Philippines, Hiyas Kayumanggi proudly announces the re-stage of Hinilawod - Tales from the Mouth of Halawod River.
In her statement in Manila Times, international thespian and stage coach Isay Alvarez puts it, “We were impressed after we saw Hinilawod. She adds, “Other countries may have their own plays, we (Filipinos) should really have our own ingenious theater and Hinilawod it is.” Coupled by the elaborate stage production - from technical and musical scoring to detailed costumes - and cultural splendour of the material, Hinilawod wows audiences. In fact, it is further described to be a monumental Filipino saga of heroes, villains, gods and monsters, comparable to the likes of “Illiad” and “Odyssey.”
The literary treasure is based on an actual 1955 research by famous Filipino historian and anthropologist F. Landa Jocano, composed of 28,340 verses, far longer than the “Iliad,” which has only 15,700 verses. Recorded on an actual 30-hour recitation by an indigenous religious leader, it recollects the Filipino civilization before the coming of Spaniards. Joanie Sycip, Hinilawod’s director emphasizes, “It tells us that we (Filipinos) had a vibrant ancient civilization long before our colonizers had their own land. We were: best in gold, esteemed boat builders, known for our rice terraces, etc.”
This cultural and literary treasure will be shown at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP Main Theatre) on September 3 and 4. It has a cast and crew of 70 singers, actors, dancers, and production personnel. Meanwhile, other crew members will fill up the cast. Prior to its CCP show, it will be re-staged at Luce Auditorium on August 23 and 24.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
HINILAWOD is produced by Hiyas Kayumanggi, a non-stock and non-profit organization that also runs programs and events promoting the beauty and richness of Filipino art, culture and heritage. It is a group made up of creative imagineers from all walks of life and committed to artistic excellence, bringing into awareness the history and culture of the country geared toward the building of the nation through the next generation.
