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Almost twenty years after it debuted at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City, Lean: A Filipino Musical will be staged for a third time, this time by the UP Manila Dramatista group, at the Adamson University Theater on May 12 and 13, 2017.
Written by acclaimed singer-songwriter Gary Granada, Lean chronicles the life of UP Diliman student leader and activist Leandro Alejandro, a prominent political figure during the turbulent final years of the Marcos regime and the unstable early years of Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s administration.
After Aquino’s husband, former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was assassinated in August 1983, Alejandro left UP and went full-time in fighting the Marcos regime. In 1985 he co-founded the left-wing organization Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and became its first secretary-general.
That same year, he was arrested and detained, but was released ahead of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, which he participated in. In the 1987 national elections, he ran for the congressional seat of the Navotas-Malabon district, but controversially lost to Cory’s sister-in-law Teresa Aquino-Oreta.
Alejandro was assassinated on September 19, 1987—less than a month after a failed coup attempt led by then-Col. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, which he openly criticized—as he was returning to Bayan headquarters in a car. He was only 27 years old. No one was arrested for the crime.
“(Alejandro) is one of the unsung heroes who have sacrificed their lives during the turbulent days of Martial Law. His life defined an era of student activism, and his work still inspires the youth today,” UP Manila Dramatista said in a statement.
“Up to this untimely death, Lean offered his life to the People’s Movement, speaking at mass demonstrations, writing articles, and discussing social issues inside the campus and in urban poor communities,” it added.
Directed by Vanessa Rubian, with musical direction by Joyce Frias, this revival of Lean will be brought to life by an ensemble led by Kenneth Mangurit, who plays Lean. Also in the cast are Frances Mendoza (Lidy), Carlo Cabahug (Ka Tanny), Carmela Reyes (Bobby), Dean Lopez (Edward), Lalaine Quinan (Jojo), Neil Suyat (Noli), Raffy Baybay (Chino), and Uriel Molina (Mr. Tim). ALVIN I. DACANAY
Playdates for Lean: A Filipino Musical are May 12 at 7 p.m. and May 13 at 4 and 7 p.m. The Adamson University Theater is at 900 San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila. For tickets and other inquiries, call or send a text message to Zoe Caballero at 0906-4273981.