HOmer's LIVING ARTS MUSEUM Teatro Paulino Season 14 Presents Her Story Brought to Life 01-16-23 | 01-17-23 | 01-18-23
Homer’s Living Arts Museum is a production where various inanimate artifacts in a collection come to life. The exhibit will feature stories conveyed from the perspective of fabled women in Greek mythology. However, their accounts will reveal untold events of injustice and abuse that patriarchal narratives have silenced for far too long. Featured in this museum are Pandora’s Pithos, the Laurel Tree, the Golden Fleece, the Thread of Ariadne, the Apple of Eris, and the tour guide, Medusa. Each artifact will present a unique perspective of stories that maledominated society has told for far too long. Through this museum, we lend our voices to women and let them retell their stories from their origins and rises to their falls and demises. In this way, the production simultaneously glorifies the revered foundations of literature while depicting novel messages that empower the audience to fight for a better future. What is hlam?
Many affiliate him with the Illiad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that comprise the foundation of Greek literature. From an international perspective, his contributions also affected Western standards and views with these works. As such, honoring him in this living arts museum reflects how many ideas of his have evolved through time. HOMER Homer is arguably the most influential Greek literature author. Dante Alighieri would even describe him as the "Poet Sovereign," Pope Alexander once named him the greatest of all poets. As the namesake of this museum, he represents the flourishing of literature in Ancient Greece and the establishment of many ideals that remain relevant today; he provided models of heroism, nobility, and eudaimonia (the good life), which many Greeks used as a basis for their endeavors. Other authors whose works were cited in this show include: Parthenius Ovid Hesiod Euripides
In a show full of artifacts & relics, I believed it was important to highlight that Medusa was once actually a living creature, a human. The actresses were directed to carry themselves in serpent-like fluid movements. However, we also applied their brilliant idea for Medusa to tense up into a defensive stance during moments when her sense of security is being threatened. Medusa A trait that distinguishes Medusa’s character is how unashamed she is of her rage. She remains unabashed about the injustices and tragedies of every story behind each artifact. She is loud about her anger after she has been silenced for several centuries until she finally allows the humanity hidden beneath her gorgon exterior to unravel. She is furious about how she was painted as a villain when she was the victim. Yet, she stands empowered, believing that in herself and the power of her tale, she may grant another struggling woman comfort, a small victory, or the courage to step forward with her own experiences. The Curse of Medusa by Ovid Director's Take Played by SJ Amor (Left) and Alexa Sevilla (Right) Directed and written by Rianna Estacio
One thing I wanted to show was how the Pithos was duplicitous. It held both spirits that could destroy mankind, but also the spirit that could save it. I think the main thing was the characterization, and really getting Rixie and Amaia to discover that internal conflict for them to fully convey it into the Pithos. THE PITHOS Throughout the story, what makes the pithos an interesting character is that it never fails to convey and internalize deep emotions. Be it pain, anger, conflict, or regret. The gods crafted pithos so that it would believe that it was a being born with a heavy burden-- a burden they would not hesitate to haul on the backs of others if given a chance. As the story progresses, we see the development in their character as they grow to appreciate the simple joys of the mortal world, growing attached to Pandora, the mortal who cared for it. The pithos then begins to understand deeper emotions you wouldn't think an inanimate object and a prideful one too such as a pithos could ever comprehend. The Box of Pandora by Hesiod Director's Take Played by Rixie Jabonete (Left) and Amaia Mendoza (Right) Directed by Sam Sulit Written by Mischa Suarez
In directing, I tried to show the character’s sadness more subtly by showing how it always lingers behind its mask; the mask being its prideful and comedic persona shown to the audience. I believed this would allow the audience to empathize with the character more deeply, giving a similar feeling of seeing a usually cheerful friend bottle up their emotions and eventually burst. THE FLEECE The Golden Fleece is a character who has lived its whole life sheltered in an enclosed garden. Its value and prestige led to most of its time on earth spent lounging and enjoying a mundane lifestyle. It lived in such a way for a long time until a new, worthy king gave it a better, even more, sheltered life. Unfortunately, injustices and tragedies stirred up a change. The artifact aims to share its story by narrating events in a story-telling manner. It attempts to depict to the audience how one’s wrongful doings may immensely affect others— including mere bystanders at the scene. Despite the fleece initially having an expressive and comedic personality, the tragedies it experienced and witnessed tainted its prestige. The Myth of Jason, Medea, and the Golden Fleece by Euripides Director's Take Played by Ines Jimenez (Left) and Martina Rabadon (Right) Directed and written by Chesca Salazar
The Laurel Tree faced so much within a number of moments in its lifetime. It may be battered, and the Tree may feel lamentable and indignant, but it still holds itself high and true to convey the audience her experience. The Laurel Tree also holds on to what Daphne feels during that time, and the events that led Daphne turn into a tree further catalyzes the great pangs of her suffering.With that, I fleshed out the character’s emotions through its experience before its transformation, making the artifact amplify the grasp the feelings of Daphne in the story while keeping a graceful poise like the Tree. Patricia’s and Faith’s branch movements remained consistent as the emotions of the Tree progressed over time, and their character embodiments blended well with capturing the Tree’s suffering beyond its beauty. the laurel tree Gaze deeper into the Laurel Tree’s luscious leaves. There, you’ll see suffering meddled between their veins. Look into its branches, and you’ll find chains belonging to its possessor. The Laurel Tree’s form allures those who gaze upon it, but within its leaves entraps the remains of a free-spirited nymph named Daphne for eternity. Daphne’s new form appeared to be divinely attractive, garnering several admirers. But deep down, her appearance became a prison that kept her from her freedom. Daphne continued to strive for independence from those who chased after her until a god, stricken by Cupid’s bow out of his vengeance, turned her destiny entirely upside down when he lustfully chased after her. The Laurel Tree, now bound to its eternal fate, standing in front of you, grieves and yearns for the freedom it lost. As the Tree tells you its story, it gradually unveils the depths of the pain and the suffering that scarred it forever with injustice. It breathes itself into the air of Daphne. The Myth of Daphne and Apollo by Parthenius Director's Take Played by Faith Aguilar (Left) and Tricia Lim (Right) Written and Directed by Pia Mariano
The Thread is jaded, frail, and bitter. She never truly moved on, but beneath her anger, a small hope for love still flickers to flourish for others. Personifying the loose, wavy movements of string was challenging, and I looked too broken string puppets for inspiration. Ultimately, Patricia and Xyris's almost wild and big movements do well in showing how easily swept away old Thread could be. the thread Ariadne’s Thread was destined to be part of something magnificent, but what exactly, it was never sure. It was fine silk, and royalty. It was front and center of the greatest act of devotion and sacrifice between forbidden lovers. It was beautiful. All the Thread had ever wanted was to love and be loved. In the labyrinth with this hero, it was the sole reason he saved countless lives. To be relied on, it believed then, this was love. Thus, even when it was battered, beaten, and pulled taught, it fought to protect the one it loved. However, when all was said and done, it faced the ultimate betrayal by the one who mattered most. The Thread we meet regales us of this cautionary tale after decades of having been abandoned in a maze. Despite this tragedy, deep down, it clings to the essence of its existence: a gift to protect. Its story to you shall be its last act of love. Ariadne, Theseus, and the Labyrinth of the Minotaur Played by Xyris Saculo (Left) and Patricia Uvero (Right) Directed and written by Ash Reyes Director's Take
The Apple is fascinating, distinct, and built of sense and reason. She is wise, ostentatious, and full of character despite being an object—an apple, originally. So retaining and showcasing her apple-like characteristics was a challenge.We learned to keep the shape and core of an apple and let this be the basis of their interpretation of the Apple’s body language. the apple of eris Who would've thought that the presence of an apple could shift a narrative? Many works of literature, ranging from the Fall of Man to Snow White, depict the apple as a symbol of selfinflicted malice and terror. They use it as a device to expose the protagonist's true character-- if they are disobedient, benevolent, or foolish. In the Judgment of Paris, this observation is not any different. When asked to give the Apple to one of the three goddesses before him in exchange for a lover from Aphrodite, glory from Athena, or power from Hera, Paris chose love. He chose Helen. This decision then led to the ultimate fall of Troy. However, when analyzed with a more discerning eye, the story makes us wonder if Paris or anyone in that account had a choice. Homer's Living Arts Museum breathes life into a new narrative perspective. It introduces the Apple as an enterprising commander with a distinct comprehension of beauty. For her, it's something achievable through the absolute destruction of society. For that, she names the tragedy that befalls Troy as her Caliste. The Apple is manipulative, sadistic, and cunning. In this angle, she represents the rigid structure of beauty standards that will lead to our inevitable ruin as we ruin each other and ourselves in honor of our metaphorical golden apples. When placed against these odds of a bloodthirsty society, it is as she puts it: how can we reshape fate when the status quo drives us closer to self-destruction? The Judgment of Paris Played by Samantha Leander (Left) and Athena Cañezal (Right) Directed by Moirah Dionglay Co-Directed and Written by Louie De Guzman Director's Take
The costume and makeup committee visualizes and creates the look of the artifacts in Homer's Living Arts museum. With the resources we can gather, we aim to help the audience comprehend the artifact and its emotions throughout its performance. We acknowledge that our visions for the costumes may differ, but with our innovative ideas, each relic of the Living Arts Museum will luster with its individuality. COSTUME AND MAKEUP Headed by Sofin Manlimos and Daphne Laoang Mattina Tolentino Alexandria Tibay Sophia Ramirez Angelica Villagonzalo Heart Vasquez Hillary Quezon Mische Manlimos Samantha Cipriaso Chelsea De Castro MEMBERS
Documentation
The Set Design committee is tasked to conceptualize and create the necessary set pieces and props that will be used for the entirety of the production. Committee members essentially set the stage for each character and create an environment that will make the audience feel as if they are truly inside a museum. set design Headed by Mikee Herrera and Lana Albano Iza Rilloraza Juliana San Pedro Maria Tajan Corinne Barretto Zela Munsod Erin Flores Gianna Sandigan Pauline Ramirez Shasa Escasa Alexa Bernabe MEMBERS
LAUREL TREE THE FLEECE APPLE OF ERIS THE THREAD THE PITHOS MEDUSA Documentation
The Stage Tech committee handles and organizes each performance’s visual and sound effects. We first coordinate with the directors, capture the vision, and help bring it to life. Then, we organize the ideas for the tech script, which will later be the team’s basis for what buttons to press and when to cue them during the live performances. We download all files needed and reserve all equipment, such as lapels, speakers, and everything you’ll possibly need in a control booth. We aspire to help achieve a smooth transition from observing museum artifacts to watching a live dramatic performance. The stage tech committee is responsible for the technical aspects of a stage production, such as lighting, sound, and set design. They work closely with the director and other production team members to ensure that the show’s technical elements enhance the overall performance and contribute to the audience’s experience. The committee may also be responsible for maintaining and operating the tech equipment used in the production. stage tech Headed by Kitty Dupet and Moirah Dionglay AJ Evangelista Therese Syquia Yanina Tan Cathrine Esliza Claire Toledo Alicia Camacho Max Veguillas Carmela Estrella Janina Dela Cruz Joanna Gertes Alex Hachero MEMBERS
Marketing and Publicity is the joint committee that handles the promotions and ticket sales for Homers Living Arts Museum. Our responsibilities included publicizing and hyping the production on social media and the campus. I loved having the experience of heading Marketing and Publicity as this was always one of my favorite go-to comms to join whenever the sign-up forms came out, and I'm sure this goes for the members as well. Probably our main struggle, though, would be the adjustment from online to onsite events. There are many new things to consider, like room-toroom promotion, onsite selling, and the like, but I'd like to think we were able to handle it well with the production committee members and our year-long comm members, who were a significant help in the process. marketing and publicity Headed by Sam Sulit Kay Angeles Miel Estrada Zharian Tuazon Zyril Isla Cheska Juan Bianca Catane Elia Torres Bea Infante Gaby Tinawin Chelsy Burgos Margarita Batario MEMBERS
The Creatives Committee creates the materials for publication posted on Teatro Paulino's social media accounts, which serve as the project's face. We use digital painting and layout software to create the posts you see online. Each committee member is used to their art style, making it challenging to maintain a consistent look for the production. We encourage our artists to try new techniques and designs to broaden their artistic range. Each of us brings a unique set of experiences, work styles, and personalities to the table. But, our shared love of creativity has brought us together to create these materials to help promote and display Homer's Living Art Museum to the student body. creatives Headed by Louise Sese and Mischa Suarez Neria Romana Emanuelle Gomez Tyra Alfonso Frances Realuyo Isabelle Villanueva Jan Dy Jianna Tan Jannine Riñon Yuri Dela Cruz Carmela Albarracin Ronnie Cammayo MEMBERS
The Documentation Committee works to capture the shows and events organized by Teatro Paulino, including moments behind the scenes. It also produces videos to promote and archive the center's events through its new venture, "Kaleidoscope." The documentation committee does not stop at simply taking pictures solely of the event; it also includes documenting behind-the-scenes moments and shooting promotional material for the marketing and publicity committee. Although the new school year has now allowed a face-to-face setup, there are still some difficulties in executing some ideas. One of which is the scheduling and availability of members of the cast and production team. Overall, the committee aims to capture every moment of Teatro Paulino. documentation Andrea Rojas Clarisse Querijero Pristine Borja Diane Chiong Ainsley Noble Kaya Gamboa Headed by Sydney Javier and Louie De Guzman MEMBERS
On behalf of Teatro Paulino and the Homer’s Living Arts Museum, we would like to thank the following people for their support in making this production a success:
PARTNERS
FROM THE CRITICS