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| In 2022, Ismael Pantao showcased his acting prowess with his first performance of “The Night Before the Wedding” at the esteemed Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) in Singapore. This performance was a significant milestone in his academic journey, culminating in his achievement of a Professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre Acting. (photo by ITI) |
"The Night Before the Wedding," a creation of Ismael Gallaza Pantao, is set to make its Philippine debut in GenSan on March 15, 2024. This event is one of the highlights of the 18th TANGHAL National University and Community-Based Theatre Festival in Mindanao.
The play represents the culmination of Pantao’s studies in 2022 at the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore, where he earned a Professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre Acting. Since then, he has implemented several enhancements to refine the play. This one-act drama explores the challenges confronted by a Maguindanawon man about an arranged marriage. The production is brought to life by the Kalimudan Culture and Arts Center, Inc.
“As artists, our catharsis lies in the relentless pursuit of purpose and meaning that shapes our artistic existence. We are compelled to create amidst chaos and devastation, narrating the unfolding events of the world through our craft,” shared Pantao.
Pantao is a respected theater practitioner, cultural worker, and educator who has made significant contributions to both local and international performing arts. He currently teaches performing arts and culture and arts education at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, Inc. in GenSan. Additionally, he has been an arts consultant at Notre Dame-Siena College of GenSan since 2016. He is an active member of the cultural scene, with ties to Sining Kabpapagariya Ensemble, Kalimudan Culture and Arts Center, Inc., and inITIate PH.
As a one-person show, “The Night Before the Wedding” hinges on the performer’s adaptability and prowess in portraying a variety of characters. The play offers a touching journey into the realms of friendship, love, and cultural identity within a Maguindanawon community.
Pantao aims to narrate a story that encapsulates the contemporary struggles of the Moro community. He intends to foster a deeper understanding among audiences about their community’s complexities. He envisions his play reaching stages across the country and even internationally. Pantao also aspires for the play to receive a full-scale production and is open to exploring its adaptation into other artistic forms, such as a short film.
The 18th Tanghal in Mindanao, scheduled from March 14–16, 2024, will feature twelve theater groups performing in various venues. This event is a collaborative effort of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Dramatic Arts and the Mindanao State University-General Santos facilitated through its Cultural Affairs Office and BIDA General Santos.
The 18th TANGHAL National University and Community-Based Theater Festival is a significant event that underscores the crucial contribution of theater and its practitioners in tackling societal and environmental issues. The festival includes theater and storytelling sessions for children from all over the country.
This event is part of National Arts Month (NAM) 2024, led by the NCCA. The theme for NAM 2024, “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain,” represents a Filipino society that highly values imagination, innovation, and artistic expression as essential parts of its identity and development. The festival kicked off on February 28 in Los Baños, Laguna.
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