The CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series returns with a captivating fusion of abridged Gioachino Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” taking the spotlight for its second installment. This innovative initiative by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) offers a daring platform for unconventional programming that appeals to both intrepid artists and audiences.
Following the successful debut of “Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela,” the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series proudly presents “Figaro! Figaro!!” on August 25 at 7:30 pm and August 26 at 3:00 pm, hosted at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).
What sets this abridged opera production apart? “In historical contexts, composers aimed to resonate with their audiences through the use of their language. Hence, we chose to translate these operas into Filipino, striving to make opera more accessible to Filipino viewers,” explained CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis N. Marasigan, the translator for this production.
Under the directorial guidance of Jaime del Mundo, this back-to-back opera presentation delves into the escapades of Figaro, the central figure connecting both operas, inspired by the Figaro Trilogy penned by French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais.
The trilogy—comprising “Le Barbier de Séville” (The Barber of Seville), “Le Mariage de Figaro” (The Marriage of Figaro), and “La Mère coupable” (The Guilty Mother)—chronicles the resourceful servant Figaro’s journeys, alongside a cast of intriguing recurring characters.
Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” was inspired by Beaumarchais’s second play, “Le Mariage de Figaro,” which was composed 30 years later. Meanwhile, Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” is often regarded as a prequel to Mozart’s opera.
Rossini’s four-act opera trails Figaro, a barber, as he aids Count Almaviva in liberating the beautiful Rosina from her lascivious guardian, Dr. Bartolo, striving for love’s triumph.
Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” carries the saga forward, with Figaro now engaged to Suzanne, the Countess Rosina’s maid. Amidst Count Almaviva’s efforts to thwart their union, a tapestry of attempts, suspicions, and intrigues unfolds, raising the question of whether the couple will eventually find their happily-ever-after.
These condensed narratives come to life in the CCP Out of The Box Series: Figaro! Figaro!!, graced by the talents of Filipino performers including Bianca Camille Aguila, Roxy Aldiosa, Diego Aranda, Angeli Benipayo, Ruzzel Clemeno, Nerissa de Juan, Roby Malubay, Nomher Nival, Noel Rayos, Jonathan Tadioan, and Floyd Tena.
Steering the musical direction is Farley Asuncion, with Ohm David overseeing set design, Raqs Regalado curating costumes, TJ Ramos handling sound, and Marasigan orchestrating lighting.
The CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series showcases performances that deviate from conventional programming, an ingenious complement to the ongoing renovation of the CCP Main Building. This endeavor reinforces the CCP’s dedication to nurturing artistic brilliance and cultural representation across diverse venues.
Make sure not to miss the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series: Figaro! Figaro!! on August 25 and August 26, 2023, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez. Tickets are available for purchase at P1500 via TicketWorld.
For the latest updates, stay connected with the CCP through their official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, and also visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for further inquiries.
