A STAGE reading dubbed "Arbol de Fuego" written by Rody Vera will be held on November 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and December 1 at the Pope John Paul II Diocesan Cultural Center at Lizares Araneta in Bacolod City.
Arbol de Fuego director Rene Hinojales and Perflab Artistic director Tanya Lopez said the play is a dramedy adapted from Anton Chekhov's classic play "The Cherry Orchard."
A dramedy is a movie or play that combines the elements of drama and comedy.
The play was adapted by Rody Vera to the Filipino context, specifically, the Negrense setting in the late 1970s and it was then translated to Hiligaynon by the cast.
Arbol de Fuego revolves around the decline of a landed wealthy family set during the Martial law in Talisay, Negros Occidental.
The Jardelezas grew up in a lavish, pampered life in Hacienda Carmen.
After a tragic incident, Enriquitta Jardeleza with her daughter Nena went to Madrid, Spain.
Several years after, capricious Enriquitta went back home and is now faced with insurmountable debts. Her remaining inherited property, the Hacienda Carmen, known for its titular grove of Arbol de Fuego (fire tree), is on the verge of being auctioned.
Nonoy Tiking, a son of the Jardeleza's former sugarcane farmhand who became rich with his businesses, suggests big plans to save the land by cutting down the fire trees and making a subdivision. As the threat of their inevitable decline slowly sinks in, Enriquitta's family faces a dilemma if they will alow her to continue with her lavish ways or if she will save herself from bankrupcy by letting go of her beloved Hacienda Carmen and its famous Arbol de Fuego.
The cast includes Lovelle Bellocillo as Enriquietta; Charlene Mae Tupas as Charito; Leezo Dionzon as Nena; Nonilon Torpez as Nonoy Tiking; Noel Pahayupan as Pindot; Mandy Alimon as Mitoy; Milton Dionzon as Chitong; Louie Dormido as Manoy Iking; Gabriel Educado as Dante; Noel Morales as Kane; Mark Garcia as Caloy; Christine Concepcion as Nini; Vincent Escalona as Sundalo; and Vicente Dumdum as Sakada.
Tickets are at P150 for regular admission and P100 for students, senior citizens, and persons with disability.
Part of the proceeds of this endeavor will be used for the improvement of the Pope John Paul II Diocesan Cultural Center at the Sacred Heart Seminary.