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Tanghalang Ateneo (TA), the longest-running theater company of the Ateneo de Manila University’s Loyola Schools, is staging as part of its 38th season the live-action version of novelist Edgar Calabia Samar’s bestselling young-adult novel Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon (Janus Silang ang the Demon Child of Tábon) until February 25.
Adapted by two-time Palanca-award winner Guelan Varela-Luarca from Samar’s 2015 National Book Award (Novel in Filipino) and 2016 National Children’s Book Award (Best Read for Kids) winner, Janus Silang is about a teenage boy (Ateneo High School student Earvin Estioco) who frequents the Malakas Internet Shop in Balanga town to play the Terra Anima Legion of Anitos (TALA) online game with his friends, among them Harold (John Sanchez).
It’s a pastime frowned upon by his father, Juan (Bong Cabrera, alternating with JJ Ignacio), who is actually a do-ol, a mythical creature sent by the tiyanak to keep an eye on the teenager.
Janus’ world is turned upside down when characters from TALA Online and comic books appear and disrupt his personal life, forcing him to confront the mystery of his bloodline and his destiny.
Joining Estioco, Cabrera, Ignacio, and Sanchez in the cast are Ateneo Grade School’s Joachim Galvez and Sam Tango, who take turns playing Juno, Janus’ younger brother who’s actually the tiyanak in disguise; Diega Villanueva, as the title character’s mother; Cloie Hilomen, who portrays Janus’ classmate and love interest Mica; Allan Forte, as Mang Joey, a bagani, or protector of the Pusong bloodline, who becomes the teen’s mentor; Jacob Whittaker, as Renzo, Mang Joey’s messenger who’s tasked to meet Janus and accompany him; Dr. Jerry Respeto, Fr. Rene Javellana S.J. and Xander Soriano, who alternate in the role of the mysterious Bungisngis, Mang Joey’s brother who disguises himself to watch over Janus; Peanuts Valerio, Ace Elgar, and Soc de los Reyes; and the TA ensemble of actors.
Janus Silang is directed by TA alumnus Charles Yee, and is supported by an artistic team composed of Palanca award-winning playwright and TA Artistic Director and Moderator Glenn Sevilla Mas; set designer Gwyn Guanzon; costume designer Mitoy Sta. Ana; lights designer Meliton Roxas Jr.; sound and music designer Toni Muñoz; visuals designer Joyce Garcia; choreographers Delphine Buencamino and Zyda Baaya; and graphics designers Gab Mesina, Diana David, and Victor Datu.
Remaining playdates for Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon are February 13–16 and 21–24 at 7:30 p.m. and February 18 and 25 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. For more information, call or send a text message to Dean Silva at 0916-3145475, or visit www.facebook.com/TanghalangAteneo.