Lysistrata ng Bakwit
Photo by Kersten Loo
Portraying the unbeatable strength of sex and empowered women banding together, Lysistrata ng Bakwit is an adaptation of Lysistrata by Aristophanes that situates itself in a setting inspired by the modern-day evacuation centers of war-torn Mindanao, Philippines.
Bakwit is a Visayan term that means “to evacuate”, referring to indigenous people who become displaced as a result of war, such as the women in the play. Lysistrata ng Bakwit was the Theater Arts thesis play for Theater majors and minors, and it was devised alongside the actors through numerous workshops and scenarios. The play was the first production to be staged at the Doreen Black Box, functioning as the official opening work of Ateneo de Manila University’s art hub, Areté.
Roles: Lotlot (Lampito, supporting), Ensemble
Written by Gerald P. Manuel and Sabrina Basilio, under the guidance of Guelan Varela-Luarca
Choreography by Nicolo Ricardo Magno, with the help of Royliten bin Robert and Azizan bin Alamat
Lighting Design by D Cortezano
Costume and Makeup Design by Ara Fernando
Sound Design by Jayson Gildore and Pintig
Set Design by Chelsea Hermoso, Wills Gomez, and Gerald P. Manuel, under the guidance of Charles Yee
Promotions Design by Ange Espiritu, Pops Panganiban, and Jeanine Rojo
Direction by Dr. Ricardo Abad
Tanghalang Ateneo
Areté Ateneo’s Doreen Black Box Theater (2018)
Photos by Kersten Loo, Waldo Katigbak, and William Mariano
“What makes ‘Lysistrata ng Bakwit’ a necessary work of culture is a need for a diverse portrayal of the displaced and of the Mindanaoan.”
— Sex is a weapon in ‘Lysistrata ng Bakwit’ by Regine Cabato, CNN Philippines
“As directed by doyen TA director Ricky Abad, this was so energetically and unapologetically performed by the young cast that any qualms of prudery or taste must be swept aside by sheer entertainment.”
— Dash and daring creativity in campus theater by Arturo Hilado, Philippine Daily Inquirer
