In remembrance of Oryang’s heroism

How to revive a forgotten legacy

- By Bronté H. Lacsamana Reporter

THIS YEAR marks the 150" year of Gregoria de Jesus’ birth, and there have been multiple takes in different art forms telling her story as the Mother of the Philippine Revolution. One of these is Tanghalang Pilipino’s newest production, Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical, the most youth-oriented retelling of Oryang’s life so far, with its use of pop music and contemporary language.

The musical takes us through the key points of her evolution: having to drop out of school to let her brothers continue their education, meeting Andres Bonifacio, becoming the “power couple” of the revolution as the Supremo and the Lakambini, the death of Bonifacio, and her remarriage and subsequent home life with composer Julio Nakpil.

With a book by Nicanor Tiongson and Eljay Castro Deldoc, it’s unsurprising that the musical is able to capture the fiery energy and vital ideas that make Gregoria de Jesus a fascinating figure. You can tell there was extensive research done across all the milestones of the woman’s life, only shifted in tone so that Gen Z girls can understand it.

Because it has such a clear target audience, anyone who falls beyond it must meet the material where it’s at to fully appreciate what it’s trying to do. This is one of those instances where watching with a teenage daughter or niece could come in handy — does the play succeed at speaking to Filipino girls who have a lot to learn from the Lakambini’s courage, wit, and resilience? Far be it for us older folks to judge.