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[ Press Release ] Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones

January 15, 2017 No Comments

The PETA Theater Center presents:

STICKS, STONES, BROKEN BONES
A shadow puppet comedy show, made from bits of rubbish.

Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones Poster1

Sneaky chickens, flying Ninjas, brain surgery and an unforgettable horse race! Welcome to the surreal shadow puppet world of Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones.

Using household objects and bits of rubbish, Bunk Puppets transforms simple objects into hilarious silhouette stories. In each scene, the puppetry is performed in front of the shadow screen, so that the audience gets a close look at the visual trickery. Old toys, brooms, boxes and discarded clothing are deftly stitched together to create shadow puppet stories and characters.

Delighting audiences in dozens of countries, Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones is a hilarious fusion of shadow puppetry and physical theatre. It’s a visual feast for the imagination! Come, experience one man’s playful vision of wonder and nonsense. Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones is a wordless and imaginative puppet comedy show for all ages running for 50 minutes. (Though some bits are a wee bit scary for under 6 yrs old).

Based in Melbourne, Bunk Puppets company director, Jeff Achtem explains “Traditionally, shadow puppeteers create their silhouette performances by manipulating puppets behind a screen. We perform Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones in front from the screen, which means we can use cinematic effects like close-ups and zooms. The audience gets to witness every bit of the puppeteers moves” he says.

Performed by Tim Sneddon, created and directed by Jeff Achtem.

Award Winner: Best Newcomer (Edinburgh Spotlight): Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Award Winner: Spirit of the Fringe (Mervyn Stutter’s): Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Award Winner: Adelaide Fringe 2011
Award Nominee: Total Theatre Award: Edinburgh Fringe 2010

SSBB Show Photos 5

QUOTES in the reviews:

“His imagination is glorious! This one-man show has so many characters and interesting situations, you can’t help but be captivated.” – The Adelaide Advertiser

“As he carefully brings the pieces together, it is impossible to be certain what you are about to see until it is finished and projected onto a large screen, where the intricacy of his creation is amazing.” – Edinburgh Evening News

“… more entertainment than a multi-million quid McMusical.: – The LIST (Edinburgh)

Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones comes to the Philippines on May 3-7, 2017 with seven limited performances at the PETA Theater Center. To complete this rare experience, there will also be a series of puppetry workshops for kids and adults alike facilitated by the founders of Bunk Puppets.

Tickets and workshop slots may be booked through Ticketworld or by texting (0917) 807 3069. For more information about the show, visit http://www.bunkpuppets.com and http://petatheater.com.

All show photos are by Andrew Wuttke.

Theatre

5 Must-See Filipino Musicals (January-April 2017)

January 12, 2017 No Comments

Last year, I was able to see ten stage productions–3 Stars and a Sun, Les Miserables, Godspell, Rak of Aegis, Ako si Josephine, Dirty Old Musical, Changing Partners, The Tempest Reimagined, Mula sa Buwan, and Mabining Mandirigma–and I could tell you that even as my wallet protested, my heart and soul were happy and content. This year, I have my eyes set on even more productions, most of them original Filipino musicals. Because hey, love your own, right? Here are five Filipino musicals you definitely must see from January to April 2017!

Theatre

Sa Wakas, A Pinoy Rock Musical

December 16, 2016 No Comments

SA WAKAS! ^_^

Sa Wakas–yes, that 2013 Sugarfree musical you missed (oh, was it just me? okay.)–is back to mess with our feelings and break our hearts one more time this 2017! Excited yet? I know I am. In fact, I am SO excited I already have tickets to two shows. Heh.

About The Show

Sa Wakas is a critically acclaimed, homegrown musical based on the songs of one of the country’s most beloved rock bands, Sugarfree. Co-written by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan and Mariane Abuan, with the music beautifully arranged by Ejay Yatco, Sa Wakas was one of the first to bring together the world of pop rock and theater in one
groundbreaking musical. The show is created and produced by Charissa Pammit and is presented with the Manila Fringe Festival. Lighting design will be done by Miguel Panganiban, while Julian Vincent Cayabyab will design the set.

Click on the Continue Reading button to learn more about this upcoming show!

Review, Theatre

Review | Black Box Productions’ Mula Sa Buwan

December 9, 2016 No Comments

When I saw Mula sa Buwan‘s teaser a few months ago, I immediately decided I’m going to watch this production without even knowing yet what it was about. It was THAT pretty and catchy. I followed their Facebook page, watched out for updates, and panicked a little when they released show dates and realized it was only going to run ONE weekend.

ONE. WEEKEND. Imagine that.

Fortunately, we were able to secure tickets for its closing night last Sunday (December 4), and let me tell you–it was everything I wanted and more.

Review, Theatre

Review | PETA Theater’s The Tempest Reimagined

December 5, 2016 No Comments

I walked into The Tempest Reimagined with only the vaguest idea of what the story was about. I already expected to drown in Shakespeare’s words like an inexperienced person was wont to do, but PETA’s masterfully written adaptation always managed to pull me back to shore.

Weaving two different stories from two different cultures, worlds (fiction vs. real life), and eras could not have been an easy feat, but the team behind The Tempest Reimagined made it look like a walk in the park. Special mention to Norbs Portales as the fisherman Jaime, who provided slivers of wisdom and laughter as the show’s narrator. He also tugged at my heartstrings toward the end of the show. (In short, umiyak ako.)

Topper Fabregas was hilarious, especially when he momentarily traded his Trinculo character to portray a masked foreign aid “god.” Kuya Bodjie Pascua‘s portrayal as Papa Bons was heartfelt and inspiring as usual. Seeing him in 3 Stars & a Sun in March made me want to watch him on stage again, so thanks, show! John Moran did a awesome job portraying the “monster” Caliban, while Neomi Gonzales, Gabriela Pangilinan, and Gio Gahol were enchanting as the elemental spirit Ariel. I’m a sucker for music so I always loved it when they played the instruments and sang. I wished there were more of that, actually.

I’ve always loved how PETA designs their stages, and The Tempest Reimagined‘s stage was no different. Almost bereft of color, the dominantly white stage was a great backdrop for the vibrant characters of the play. I also appreciated how functional everything was on stage, especially toward the end when the characters were, quite literally, building something new out of the ruins.

The play’s run was pretty limited (it closed yesterday, December 4th), and it made me sad to see a lot of empty seats when we came to watch. I hope this doesn’t discourage the company from bringing this closer to the viewing masses, one way or another. Every story needs to be seen and heard, and this one, most expecially, needs to be put out there for many others to enjoy and learn from.

Rating

PETA Theater’s The Tempest Reimagined was a magical attempt at putting Shakespeare in a perspective more relatable to the Filipino viewing public. It wasn’t perfect, but it was heart-wrenching and inspiring all the same. Kudos to everyone who made this production possible! Congratulations!

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