With a seemingly anti-climactic prelude, the house is filled with brightness as cast members lazing about. Opened on October 17, Ang Dakilang Teatro ng Daigdig is a thesis production of Benilde’s 116 AB Theater Arts (ABTHA) students to be staged at 5/F School of Design and Arts (SDA) Theater.

Through the fusion of Pedro Calderon de la Barca’s El Gran Teatro del Mundo (1634) and Tony Perez’ Hoy, Boyet (1968) plays, Ang Dakilang Teatro ng Daigdig revolves around the themes of life, death, and the choices made in between.

Director Nonon Padilla brought these two Spanish classics and Filipino contemporary plays in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s (DLS-CSB) theatrical stage together with the playwright translation from George de Jesus III. 

Inspired more of Calderon de la Barca’s piece, Ang Dakilang Teatro ng Daigdig involves an author—or god—who predestines actors for the character for life cast in plays. With a challenge to conquer those imposed roles they will be stuck in, they have to decide between their purpose as a person with the conflicting themes of life and as a play actor assigned for a lifetime role. 

With mesmerizing, bold, and avant-garde style costumes, the show’s production design makes a solid impression. With little to no set pieces, the actors were given a larger space to fill with their halting performances.

With Frank Rivera as May-Akda; actor and director, Manny Castaneda as Pulubi; Benilde Theater Arts Program Chairperson, Magda De Leon as Kagandahan, Jannah Baniasia as Daigdig, Karl Caminade as Hari/Conrado, Karel Coldenhoff as Mayaman, Sarah Garcia as Hinahon, Anthony Penaranda as Manggagawa/Augusto, Alyssa Torres as Tinig, Ilah Marie Llagas as Batas ng Awa, Julian Juangco as Rosauro/Virgilio/Buwan, John Cueto as Eduardo/Renato/Araw, and John Gamboa as Kamatayan, the play utilizes a cast that gives justice to the complex story.

Overall, Ang Dakilang Teatro ng Daigdig questions the roles of individuals that have been cast to play in this lifetime. The production maximizes the effects of two extremes; the larger-than-life performances and the minimalism of physical stage space. 

Catch its remaining shows, Oct. 19, and Oct. 23 to 26, at the 5/F SDA Theater, School of Design and Arts Campus, DLS-CSB.

Tickets are Php 250 for Students, PWDs, and Senior Citizens and Php 350 for regular price.