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Progressive artists conquer CCP

BAGUIO CITY (Nov. 14) — Leading performers from the people’s theater reunited in a musical homage to “seditious” sarswela, street musicals and protest concerts entitled Hanas! Natatanging tagpo mula sa Musikangbayan.

“Brave and unapologetically political”, progressive artists Becky Abraham, May Bayot, Noel Cabangon, Susan Fernandez, Vincent Gealogo, Gary Granada, Nanding Josef, Jess Santiago, Bodgie Pascua, Upeng and Dodjie Fernandez with Bayang Barrios, Patatag, Silayan, Tambisan sa Sining, Salidummay, Teatro Obrero and Tanghalang Pilipino made history as they serenaded the audience with protest songs from the days of the 1896 Revolution to the present struggle of the Filipino people.

Hanas!, which was directed by Chris Millado, was one of the highlights of the recently concluded National Theater Festival held at the CCP Complex from November 7 to 20, 2004. This musical homage was accompanied by the UST Symphony Orchestra conducted by Chino Toledo.

The musical began with a sarswela set during the Spanish period when the singing of “Lupang Hinirang” was forbidden. Highlights in Philippine history were staged through songs and movement. The show concluded with a song entitled “Panata sa Kalayaan” symbolizing the continuing struggle for independence and the dedication of cultural workers to the masses. # Ma. Teresa Duminong for NORDIS

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