MORYON: A Mother’s Grief Unmasked Behind the Shield of Faith

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Set against the grim backdrop of Marinduque under Japanese rule, MORYON adapts Guy de Maupassant’s “Mother Sauvage” to explore a community in crisis. The narrative examines how faith, memory, and the longing for justice collide in a town fractured by the horrors of war. 

Launching its 93rd season, the Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) is set to premiere MORYON. Written and directed by Dudz Teraña, the production serves as a compelling Filipino adaptation of Guy de Maupassant’s classic short story, “Mother Sauvage.” 

On a fateful Holy Thursday in Japanese-occupied Mogpog, the streets of Marinduque fill with the sights and sounds of the Moriones tradition. Yet beneath this display of profound faith and penance lies a deeper story of survival, as the creeping horrors of war reshape the lives of the island’s resilient people.

The story anchors on Caridad and her son Joaquin, a young guerrilla fighting to assert his worth in an unforgiving world. As conflict breaches her home, Caridad faces a harrowing dilemma that forces her to weigh her deep-seated faith and the demands of justice against the ultimate limits of a mother’s love. 

What Lies Beneath the Masks?

Set against a backdrop of deep-seated history, MORYON explores the friction that arises when individual trauma intersects with shared communal values. In a community dictated by religious devotion and long-standing customs, the pursuit of justice grows complicated as personal heartbreak insists on its own path to closure.

By grounding Guy de Maupassant’s timeless ethical dilemma in the specific heritage and history of Marinduque, MORYON reframes a classic narrative through a uniquely Filipino lens. The work raises enduring questions: 

  • Where is faith in moments of violence? 
  • What becomes of justice when grief takes hold? 
  • How far can a person go before survival begins to challenge their deepest convictions?

The creation of MORYON is driven by a collaborative network of student artists whose dedication reaches far past the stage lights. From managing the logistics of the production and executing technical details to handling design, public relations, marketing, and community outreach, the show is built entirely by the shared vision of: 

Assistant Director Kirstan Erin Wayne Orbegoso

Executive Director Maria Ysabel R. delos Reyes

Finance Director Trisha Tan

Production Manager Marjorie E. Uson

Head Stage Manager Danielle Schwartz

Production Designer Althea Carla H. Sibulo

Technical Director Martin Gabriel L. Mesina

Multimedia Director Johann Edgar S. Oliveros

Marketing Director Edrud Adriyel Madalan

Publicity Director Irish Jane L. Oliveros

House Manager Zoe Trinity C. Sisam

whose dedication helps bring the story of MORYON from page to stage.

Alternating in the lead roles to bring the main characters to life, Maria Alexandra Mayano and Maria Ysabel Delos Reyes share the role of Caridad, while Dave Bambang and Aldin Covarrubias alternate as Esteban.

MORYON will run at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio on the following dates:

  • October 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, & 30
  • November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28

The house will open at 6:00 PM. The performance begins at 6:30 PM.

To give theatergoers an enhanced experience, audience members are invited to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early to take part in a complimentary guided tour of Far Eastern University’s iconic Art Deco campus. The historic site has earned formal accolades from both UNESCO and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for its architectural brilliance and deep cultural significance.

Ticket Prices

₱150 : FEU Students / Faculty / Staff and FEU/FTG Alumni with Alumni ID

₱250 : Non-FEU Students (with valid ID)

₱500 : FTG Alumni without Alumni ID, PWD / Senior Citizen Discount

₱700 : General Public

Connect via

Facebook: Far Eastern University Theater Guild

Instagram & TikTok: @feutheaterguildofficial

Twitter/X: @ftg1934

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