Tanghalang Molave (TM), the official theater organization of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Department of Performing Arts, presents Malou Jacob’s Juan Tamban as one of its major productions this March 2025. Staying true to its mission of reclaiming Filipino narratives, TM continues to stage compelling, student-led productions that spotlight both classical and contemporary works.
This season’s theme, “Piglas”, symbolizes the struggle for freedom and resilience, drawing from historical resistance against oppression. As part of this theme, TM stages Juan Tamban, a landmark play in contemporary Philippine theater. First staged by the PETA Kalinangan Ensemble in 1979 and awarded Second Prize at the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the play offers a raw and thought-provoking commentary on child poverty.
The story follows Juan Tamban, a boy reported in newspapers for eating cockroaches and lizards to gain attention. Marina Torres, a graduate student and social worker, investigates his case for her master’s thesis, only to confront the harsh realities of Juan’s life, his family, and society at large—along with her own beliefs and biases.
Directed by Joseph Victor Deseo, Chairperson of the PUP Department of Performing Arts and adviser of TM, the production is supported by assistant directors Novelyn Nalic and Miguel Decena. The creative team and production staff comprise students from the Bachelor of Performing Arts program, with Dave Del Socorro in the titular role of Juan Tamban. Shenah Mae Dizon, Frances Marie Akol, and Perssian Austria alternate as Marina Torres, alongside a cast of talented student actors.
Juan Tamban remains one of Philippine theater’s most significant works, blending realism and experimental storytelling to expose the brutal realities of child poverty. As described in the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts (2020):
“Juan Tamban stems from an actual incident about a boy who ate cockroaches and lizards to gain attention. This sparked PETA’s inquiry, leading to the creation of a play for the International Year of the Child. It remains a landmark in modern Philippine theater for its well-researched and realistic portrayal of social issues.”
The play runs from March 11-13, 2025, at the PUP Theater, COC Compound, Anonas St., Sta. Mesa, Manila, with performances at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Tickets are priced at ₱50 for PUPians and ₱100 for non-PUPians and guests and can be purchased through PUP Tanghalang Molave’s social media pages.
Don’t miss this powerful production that challenges and reflects on the realities of poverty and social injustice in the Philippines.
