Tanghalang Ateneo to stage National Artist’s Ronaldo S. Tinio’s Filipino adaptation of ‘As You Like It’ this November
Tanghalang Ateneo to stage National Artist’s Ronaldo S. Tinio’s Filipino adaptation of ‘As You Like It’ this November
SINEGANG.ph published this press release as shared by 9Works Theatricals. No staff writer participated in writing this article.
Tanghalang Ateneo, the longest-running theatre company of the Loyola Schools, proudly opens its 47th season themed “Her Voice Re-Sounds (Boses Babae Nagbabanyuhay)” with Paano Man Ang Ibig, National Artist Rolando S. Tinio’s Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
Set against the backdrop of political tension and exile, the play follows Rosalinda and her cousin Celia as they flee a tyrannical court and seek refuge in the Forest of Ardén. There, they discover a space of freedom and possibility, where hierarchical walls fall away, and exiled noblemen, earnest shepherds, sincere lovers, and witty jesters meet each other on common ground. Along the way, questions of gender, power, and desire unfold, and love blossoms in unexpected ways.
Central to the story is Rosalinda’s decision to take on a male disguise—a choice made out of necessity in a world where women are endangered for simply existing. What begins as an act of survival opens up possibilities for self-discovery and expression, while also revealing layered tensions between gender and power that continue to resonate today. The Forest of Ardén becomes a space of solace and transformation where hierarchies loosen, identities are explored, and individuals find the freedom to speak, act, and love in new ways.
Serving as this season’s trainee production, Paano Man Ang Ibig continues Tanghalang Ateneo’s tradition of reimagining classical works through a Filipino lens. As the season opener, it sets the tone for a season that focuses on the woman’s voice finding full expression, not only in opposition, but in healing, joy, and solidarity. For Tanghalang Ateneo’s trainees, stepping into the Forest of Ardén is both a creative and personal journey: an opportunity to discover their voices, build community, and experience the joy of theater-making together. In revisiting Shakespeare through Tinio’s language and the perspectives of emerging artists, the production weaves tradition and new vision, showing how stories from the past can continue to speak powerfully in the present.
The production is also the undergraduate set design thesis production of Julia Macuja, under the advisement of Tata Tuviera.
This season’s roster of trainees will play the characters of the story:
Rosalinda - Chloe Abella
Celia - Petes Castillo
Orlando - Meeka Sayaboc
Oliveros - Enrico Figueroa
Adan - Angelica Beatrice Vicente
Duke Federico - Chen Lee
La Guapa - Gabrielle Stephanie Taño
Carlos - Quin Del Rosario
Tocapiedra - Jamil E. Datudacula II
Duke Ama - Princess Mae Oliveros
Jakwis - Aleczandra Luna
Amiens - Nadia Tuviera
Silvio - Thandie Aliño
Korina - Erica Deliguer, Ysabelle Dominique Asoy
Audrey - Abigail Louise G. Narvaiza, Cadence Velas
Pebe - Javen Ashley Silvestre, Bianca Lucia de Guzman
Guillermo - Joseph Lim
Mga Basalyo - Sofia Bangit, Javen Ashley Silvestre, Nadia Tuviera, Abigail Louise G. Narvaiza, Cadence Velas, Sashira Natalie Esperanza
The production is directed by Cholo Ledesma, working with the following members of the artistic team to bring the production to life:
Marta Muñoz - Assistant Direction
Sabrina Basilio - Dramaturgy
Sage Ilagan - Musical Direction and Composer
Julia Macuja - Set Design
Amina Javellana - Costume Design
Jarno Malonzo - Lighting Design
Uriel Tibayan - Sound Design
Katriel Garcia - Choreography
Jules Edar Ballaran - Photography
Bryce Tamayo - Graphic Design
Val Ayento - Assistant Graphic Design
Serena Magiliw - Intimacy Coordinator
Paano Man Ang Ibig will be held at the Gonzaga Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. The show dates are as follows:
November 8, 9, 15, 16 - 2:00 PM
November 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 - 7:00 PM
Tickets for the production can be purchased at https://bit.ly/ta47pmaitickets. Below are the ticket prices of the show:
General Audience- PHP 500
LS Undergraduate - PHP 400
LS Scholars - PHP 350
For bulk-buying ticket inquiries, please email our Sales Head, Claire Gonzales, at tickets.tanghalangateneo@gmail.com with the subject line “PMAI BULK BUY - Your Name or Organization.”
For more information about the show, follow Tanghalang Ateneo through the following platforms:
Facebook: fb.com/TanghalangAteneo
Instagram: instagram.com/tanghalangateneo
TikTok: tiktok.com/@tanghalangateneo
