Battalia Royale: Kill or Be Killed (Pay What You Can)

My theater veins suddenly came to life when Jenny (fellow six:30/Barney) invited me to watch Battalia Royale at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Battalia Royale is a loose adaptation of Koushun Takami’s 2001 novel, Battle Royale and was played by Sipat Lawin Ensemble (more details here).

The play was like Kill Bill turned to play and a very graphic Japanese novel. Not for the kids but the play was opened to the public and you can pay whatever you wanted to (but with that class act, they deserve more!).

The audience are encouraged to go around as the scenes are literally all around. This is not for those seeking “culture” but for those who loves the art of theater. I miss Kuya Bodjie (of Batibot) who was with us back in Don Bosco Mandaluyong in my short stint in Zephyrin and the young actors and actresses made me miss the theater all the more.

The play is as graphic as the script. I actually enjoy it despite the physical demand of the play. I really wanted to promote the play here regardless of what I really am suppose to blog to promote independent theater! I support their cause of promoting the arts even when it’s only for a few people, just like the old times, but I do wish these are the kinds of play that private companies will support. I am not against the international casts because they do bring in quality plays, but our talents deserve attention as well. CCP should get more support and to more local plays!

The place was packed!

And if you wanted to catch them again, they will kill some more on March 8, 9 and 10, 2012 at 7pm in Victoria Abandoned School in Ermin Garcia St., Cubao, Quezon City. Tickets are at PhP350. Let us support them!

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