By Jacel Dhafnie Lolo
City of Malabon University
In celebration of Far Eastern University (FEU)’s 98th founding anniversary, the FEU Center for the Arts is staging a free theater performance of the historic sarswela “Walang Sugat,” written by Severino Reyes with music by Fulgencio Tolentino. The production will be presented on Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the FEU Auditorium.
Set against the backdrop of the Philippine Revolution, “Walang Sugat” tells the tragic love story of Tenyong and Julia. While Tenyong fights for the country’s freedom, Julia is left to face the pressures imposed by her family and the church, both of which oppose her love for him.
The production features new arrangements and additional music by Josefino “Chino” Toledo, an outstanding FEU alumnus and acclaimed composer. Chino is known for works that have become staples in the Philippine music scene, including “Glimpses of Quiapo Church from Echague Street”, which was once featured in The New York Times.
Bringing one of Philippine theater’s most treasured works to life, the performance is directed by Alegria Ferrer of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Music. Ferrer also directed last year’s “Walang Sugat, A Filipino Zarzuela” staged at UP Diliman.
The cast is composed of both current students and alumni from FEU, drawing members from the FEU Chorale, FEU Theater Guild, and FEU Guides, highlighting the university’s diverse artistic community. Special performances will also feature the FEU Bamboo Band, FEU Dance Company, FEU Drum and Bugle Corps, and FEU Drummers.
Ahead of the show, Alegria shared rehearsal photos and clips on social media, expressing excitement as the production nears its opening.
“Rehearsal of Walang Sugat at FEU. We are nearing performance dates, guys! Let’s go!!!” she wrote in a Facebook post.
