Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) reimagines José Rizal’s landmark novel Noli Me Tángere in Fiestas y Muertos, a theatrical production that examines the contradictions of colonial society through the spectacle of public celebrations and the grim realities of poverty, corruption, and suffering.
Running from October 23 to November 15, 2026, at the IBG-KAL Theatre in UP Diliman, the production departs from conventional historical adaptations by dividing its world into two contrasting spheres: fiestas, representing public festivities and enforced jubilation, and muertos, confronting the silence, decay, and death beneath the celebrations.
Set in the fictional town of San Diego during the Spanish colonial period, Fiestas y Muertos explores how extravagant religious celebrations were used by the ruling class to conceal systemic corruption, deep-seated poverty, and psychological trauma. The production transforms these displays of abundance and piety into a broader examination of community, survival, and sacrifice within a crumbling colonial structure.
Rather than simply retelling Rizal’s novel, the theatrical adaptation challenges audiences to examine the institutions and social structures that perpetuate oppression. Through its visual contrasts and emotional storytelling, the production asks a central question: Which corrupt structures, institutions, and illusions must be abolished to make genuine social liberation possible?
The production features Jerom Canlas as Crisostomo Ibarra, Justine Peña as Maria Clara, Peewee O’Hara as Inay Dorang, a reimagining of Pilosopo Tasyo, Ross Pesigan as Elias, and Elora Españo as Salome. The cast also includes Joseph Pe as Padre Salvi, Jojo Cayabyab as Padre Damaso, Iris Montesclaros as Sisa, Quiel Campo as Basilio, and Daphne Galang as Crispin.
Completing the ensemble are Joey Vargas, Gaby Asanza, Avi Sulibet, Gena Suelto, Gian Barchetta, Dan Duplon, Maki Sabio, Rigel Hechanova, and Kurt Reyes, who take on multiple roles in the interconnected world of San Diego.
José Estrella directs the production, with an adaptation by Andrew Estacio based on and inspired by National Artist Virgilio S. Almario’s Filipino translation of Noli Me Tángere. Sir Anril Tiatco and Jem Javier handle dramaturgy and additional lines, while Charles Yee leads set and props design, Carlos Siongco designs the costumes, and Angel Dayao creates the sound design and original music. The artistic team also includes Barbie Tan-Tiongco for lighting design, Joyce Garcia for video design, Al Garcia for movement, Mykee Ababon for technical direction, and Aji Manalo for sound engineering.
Tickets are priced at Php 1,200 for regular admission, Php 960 for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, UP alumni, and non-UP students, and Php 690 for UP undergraduate and graduate students and employees. The discounted UP community rate is valid for Friday performances only.
Performances are scheduled for October 23 at 7 p.m., October 24 and 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., November 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., November 13 at 7 p.m., and November 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
For sponsorship opportunities, block reservations, showbuying, and early ticket inquiries, interested parties may contact the Dulaang UP Marketing Team at [email protected] or follow Dulaang UP’s official social media channels for updates.
