Play on Pope Francis in Tacloban sets performances at Rizal Park

When they heard last year that Pope Francis would visit the disaster victims in Leyte, producer Rose Cabrera and writer-director Nestor Torre realized that it would be an exceptionally significant occasion that should be depicted and highlighted by a stage presentation at Cabrera’s Mabuhay Restop theater café at Rizal Park.

The inspiration became even more appropriate when it was announced that one of the high points of the much-loved pontiff’s four-day visit was a Mass for millions of people at Rizal Park—which was exactly where Mabuhay Restop was located! What a wonderful opportunity for theater artists to mount a production that devotees could watch before and after the Pope’s scheduled Mass !

Instead of just waiting for that key event to transpire, the venue’s presentation would give people the apt opportunity to learn more about what has made Pope Francis the unique pontiff he is, and why he was determined to travel a great distance to pray with Supertyphoon Yolanda’s many victims!

Multiple performances

After Torre had researched and written the play, it was given the site-specific title, “From the Vatican to Tacloban—With Love, Pope Francis,” and slated to be performed multiple times a day at Mabuhay Restop in Rizal Park, from Jan. 15 to 19—and after.

To make sure that they understood the special significance of the Pope’s visit, Cabrera and Torre flew to Tacloban and talked to many disaster survivors there and in outlying towns.

Their graphic tales of tragedy, survival and determination to pick up the pieces and live again have been incorporated into the playscript, to make it more authentically reflective of the survivors’ thoughts and feelings.

Another major part of the play is a narration and dramatization of Pope Francis’ life story, to discover the factors that have contributed to his personality, charisma and perceived purposein life.

Interspersed throughout the play are slides, videos and other visuals related to the Pope’s life, and to the disaster in Tacloban and its daunting aftermath.

Major component

Another major component of the production is its strong musical  content, made up of existing songs that are made to pertinently relate to specific scenes.

To this end, the play’s cast is made up of some excellent singers who’ve appeared in many musical-theater presentations, including some also written and/or directed by Torre.

Put everything together, and you get “From the Vatican to Tacloban—With Love, Pope Francis,” with multiple daily  performances at Mabuhay Restop, right where the Pope will say Mass for millions of devotees on Jan. 18, with shows slated from Jan. 15 to 19.

After those dates, the play may be performed in parishes, schools and other venues. For bookings, group sales and other details, contact Mara Salvacion at 0917 810-8194, (02) 353-8752, (02) 359-7927, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.mabuhay restops.com.