Dulaang UP’s take on Romeo and Juliet opened to a full house and this was the matinee. The play was an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The play was billed as a a multimedia hallucination and indeed it was and more. One of the main backdrop was a screen where the audience was treated to snippets of videos; screen grabs from smartphone chats and facebook; videos from cctv; and the presence of technology was ubiquitous,
Indeed it was as if Romeo and Juliet were re-adapted to the present day Metro Manila where Verona if it were not a city or a town would be a gated community somewhere South of our Megapolis.
The play also has its ingredients of political and social commentary culled from the present society. Quotes, videos and comedy sketches spared no one. At one point you would see the President or Pnoy make his appearance, although this might have been done better with an actor playing the Doge both as a moral compass and comic relief.
Dance also played a vital role in the play. Providing the necessary props at time and the proverbial Greek Chorus of the play. In the end this added a layer of interest in this adaptation.
But then again this is not your mother’s Romeo and Juliet. I never thought you could make Romeo and Juliet more tragic and more dystopian than it is and perhaps that is why it is worth watching.
#R</3J is a multi-medial hallucination play on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that tackles about the current events or happening here in the Philippines by converting Verona to Manila but still they managed to keep the plot related to Shakespeare’s original play. It is very interesting on how the Dulaang UP adapted the plot of the original Romeo and Juliet to the current state of our country.
This play is different, different in the sense that it’s not the usual Romeo and Juliet we’ve all watched before. It introduced the audience to the current issues and events occurring in the Philippines including the politics sector which showed the rivalry of two politicians that they took it very personal, so it turned out to a family rivalry instead. Also it was quite interesting for me the fact that they included the issues on social media, generation gap, corruption, sex, teenager raves, advertisements, suicide and of course, love. The music, dance, lighting, and props made a huge impact on the play in a way that it made it different from the other plays. This factors made the performance more alive and more captivating, it captured the attention of the audiences and most importantly, it allowed the audience to enjoy the entire play but at the same time this allowed them to better understand the play in a different way based on the portrayal of the characters' movements, gestures and emotions.
Indeed, it was quite as remarkable as the original one for the reason that it was way more tragic than Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and that it also served as an eye-opener for each and everyone of us about what is happening in the outside world, outside that hall. You wouldn't just remember it as tragic love story of star-crossed lovers that died because of the wrong information they got, it was more than that, #R</3J has this unending twists and surprises that made as all WOW. So all in all, it made this huge mark on my mind and that it was not the typical Romeo and Juliet we all know, it was a whole different story, maybe that’s why it was worth watching for.
Ericka Rose Forbes
2015-10518
STS THY
Out of all the plays I’ve watched (I’ve watched a total of 5 plays of DUP, including this one), this takes the top spot. When I first heard that it was going to be a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, I was expecting it to be simply just a modern take of the plot. Nothing new there. However, I was wrong. #R</3J was nothing like I imagined it to be. It exceeded my expectations and left me in awe.
Everything fits so well together. The music, dances and clips all made the play more interesting and worth watching. It touched the different issues our society is currently experiencing; politics, suicides and drugs are examples of them. From how technology affects our lives to how social media affects our way of thinking, DUP made it realistic that you can't help but think that this actual story could happen in real life. It also gave us a peek of how teenagers act today with the influence of technology and other vices. Also, it didn't only focus on romantic relationship but also in friendship and family.
There are so many things you could learn about our society today just by merely watching this play. I really wish that many could have watched this. This is no ordinary modern take of Romeo and Juliet. I couldn't imagine a better one than this, in all honestly. It really is more tragic and more dystopian, as what you have said sir. Along with the superb acting of the actors, this play is definitely worth watching.
STS THY; 2014-13213
DUP’s R</3J was really an excellent piece! Kudos on how they were able to integrate the current issues faced by millennials nowadays — age of virtual reality–globalization, ultra-violence, internet novelties, generation gap. The play also awed me by the physical endurance and emotional sensitivity exerted by the actors as they were able to give justice and act on it professionally. I do believe that this kind of theatrical play should be promoted, funded and advertise well as it give viewers tragically yet realistic take on the chaotic generation we have, so as to move and open people's eyes who are deviating from the kind of life we should appreciate and value.
#R</3J seamlessly brought together a great synergy between the old and the new. It was known to everybody that the play takes its story from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but it's quite likely that people weren't expecting something like what they saw transpire on the stage.
It was amazing to see the vital plot points of the original tragic romance come to life with more modern approaches to the story. Shakespeare in various hipster-looking backgrounds and cussing every now and then, though odd, was a good way to set the mood for the audience that the play isn't the kind that comes to the stage very often. The play made heavy use of bluntness and vulgarity with a certain grace that captivated the audience – personalities were built to be very strong but not strong enough to clash and ruin chemistry, the manipulation of J's interviews and R's suicide through the actual set and through the TV screen was brilliant, and forced the audience to decide for themselves which was real and which wasn't.
It was my first time to watch a play by Dulaang UP, and I can clearly see that it lives up to what UP stands for. The play took no time in trying to force mediocre dialogue and integrated the current issues of Philippine society – politics, the rampant vices amongst the youth, and the like into the play, and stunningly tied these all together into an ending that leaves you thinking, wanting more, but realizing that you have to work with what they gave you.
UPD’S R</3J was really an excellent masterpiece which integrated the modern day issues confronting not only teenagers but people in general. The professionalism and performance of the actors on how they were able to maintain their physical endurance and emotional sensitivity throughout the whole theatrical show was beyond what I expected. I also like how the play showed tragically yet somehow realistic views on life. I hope that this kind of play should be advertised, funded and supported to raise people's radical thinking about issues that matter and should not be neglected. This is to move and open the eye's of viewers deviating their lives from valuing and appreciating the wonderful life they have. It also left me pondering about thimngs but nonetheless, kudo's to all the great minds behind this exceptionally awesome work!
I can’t say that this is the best DUP play I have ever seen, but this, for me, is the best play dedicated to Generation Y.
It was indeed an adaptation of the iconic Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare with a twist. Use of technological devices were very evident. This is the only play that I have seen to use such. It was really a very modern play. From the technical aspects of it up to the language used by the characters.
For me, R </3 J reflects the current situation of the Generation Y. It shows how wild, agressive, liberated and superficial the teenagers of today are.
While watching the play, I really looked into every detail being emphasized. There were different issues pointed out in the story which include the political issues concerning a TraPo and an actor turned politician, and most importantly the issues concerning the young generation.
It was really R </3 J with a twist, I thought that the ending would be the same as the real Romeo and Juliet, but I was wrong. The play sends out a very strong and urgent message. "Love is a drug. But never say no to it." Being in love is not the issue but rather the kind of relationships the teenagers are having. It's more of a skinship kind of relationship, it is not love, it's Lust. The ending shows that suicide is not a choice. One must continue living despite being brokenhearted or having a life that sucks.
But what hit me the most is that after the show, the DUP cast did not go out to meet the audience. I was really surprised because every single DUP play I have watched, they always come out after the show. But this time, they didn't. Instead, there was a live video telecast projected in the screen which shows the audience. There was no closure. But what I saw while I was still seating in my chair, was the number of people leaving the theatre one by one. Until I became part of the people who left…
STS THY
“O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?”
“J, nasa baba na ako <3<3<3”
Romeo and Juliet is like the Mona Lisa of English literature – it is the best known and one of the most frequently performed of all English plays. #R</3J is included in the long list of its many adaptations and interpretations. Unlike the original tragedy by Shakespeare and other re-imaginations, #R</3J is a “multimedial hallucination” set in a modern “concrete jungle”. What makes it not “just another adaptation” is best elucidated by its loyalty to its billing – a “multimedial hallucination”.
The “multimedial” part of its billing is effectuated by the play’s production design, particularly the set. Video montages, smartphone chats, and screen grabs of social media sites were an indispensable aspect of the play. The play even began with a “Shakespeare” projected on a video screen delivering the prologue. The thematic scenography was vibrant and astonishing. The use of space was ingenious and witty. In addition, the music, costumes, and lighting worked very well with the production. The contrast of light and shadow and of colors encapsulates the audience within the realm of the play. These aspects are most appreciated in the party scene.
The “hallucination” was loyal to the thought but not the verse, and this sets #R</3J different from other adaptations. The storyline was a mix of romance, humor, and drama with a dash of political and social satire. It was, in one word, real. Very real. It was true to the times. Political feuds. Actor turned politician. Pop culture. Sex. Drugs. Manipulation of thought by social media, et cetera. These issues of modern civilization were vividly expressed in the play.
Dance was also an integral part of the play. The lovely romantic verses of the balcony scene were translated into an elegant dance of the main characters. Also, the consummation of R and J’s love were expressed through an elaborate dance. As for the acting of the ensemble, fantastic and superb. I need not to say anything more.
We have come a long way from quills and paper to styluses and smartphones. #R</3J gives an in depth view into today’s society. Some things that were presented are harsh, but are still the truth.
In conclusion, unlike the preconceived notion that it is “some another Romeo and Juliet”, #R</3J presents a fresh new perspective in the Shakespearean masterpiece. It was full of surprises, most especially the ending (I actually thought that we were gonna sing Flashlight).
Terrence Ferdinand S. Nagaño
2015-04845
STS-THX
The last play I watched directed by Dexter M. Santos was Rizal X in 2011. It was a modern twist on Rizal. I can’t help but compare the two. Just like Rizal X, #R</3J too is a modern adaptation of a classic. It reminded me of the genius Dexter M. Santos is. Though there were instances of laughter throughout the play, this play had a more serious mood to it. It is sad that at this age of virtual reality and multimedia, our society so filled with trickery and violence. The play made use of ingredients that are really present in our society making it more realistic. Some of these are feuds between political families, drugs, violence, love, the use of the social media, and how it can obscure reality. Towards the end, there was a video feed showing the audience. It was a cold ending. There was a feeling of sadness, frustration and intrigue.
Matthew Chua
2011-14753
STS THX
Great review, sir! I was able to watch #R</3J, my first DUP play, on September 5 at 8 pm. I, too, enjoyed the play. It had a great balance of dialogue and dance. The modernization of Romeo and Juliet and its adaption into the Philippine context was splendidly done. A lot of props and effects were used to make the play look ravishing. I specifically liked the way they used videos as transitions and as part of the play itself. #R</3J shows that tragedy brought about by love can strike even today. I'm very happy I was able to watch this play. Good job, Dulaang UP!
SANTAMARIA, Alfonso Gabriel G.
2015-08736
STS THY
#R</3J already had marvelous reviews before I had the chance to watch it, and true enough, it didn’t disappoint. It surprised me in so many ways with its dystopian twist to two gasgas classics: Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the Philippine politics. The play incorporated the right mix of politics and romance, with actors adept at playing their respective roles. J was a manic pixie walking daydream with her articulate moves and even more articulate cursing. “I warned you, I will hurt you. I will ruin you,” has been a line that wouldn’t have been in the classic, but I liked this Juliet better. R was a love-crazed character, he lived for love, but in the end, it was what killed him. #R</3J showcased the different loves we have – romantic, power, familial. It cast what the characters would end up with, and it manifested with how they were “drugged” by the love they chose.
“You’re a fucking walking berlin-artparasites caption,” has been one of the most memorable lines in the movie, referring to the art and caption Facebook page full of pa-deep hugots and heart-gutting quotes accompanied by artworks. To say the least, the play can be summed up in that line. It was beautiful, memorable art with its use of digital media and theatrical lights and the lessons it imparted were worthy to be shared and remembered by.
An interesting element to note was the recurrent hospital bed R and J used interchangeably. It sent out the message that everyone too was sick in their own ways: their families – for being eaten out by the disease of power and money brought by politics, themselves – for being drunk and high on love, sex, and the casual. “I am not my family,” J quoted, and as the play came to a close, I wasn’t sure who I pitied more — the dead R or the broken J. In many ways, they were both dead anyway. As the stage turned pitch black with nothing but a video recording of the audience, the lack of a curtain call added to the complexity of the play #R</3J is. One by one, the audience left the theater, seeing themselves leave, turning their back to the stage – reminiscent of what R and J did.
“How do you unlearn to love someone? You love someone else.” That is exactly what they did and we should do that too — Only if we decide to shift focus can we finally realize what matters and what will set us free.
TRILLANA, K.I.V
2012 – 62482
STS THY 4-5:30
My friends and I planned to watch the DUP’s #R</3J because of the great reviews about the play. Unfortunately, they watched the play on an earlier schedule so I had to watch it alone. Before my scheduled date, September 12 at 10am, I asked them, “Uy maeenjoy ko pa ba to? Wala kasi akong kasama manood eh.” Then they answered, “Okay lang yan! Super ganda nung play! Matutuwa ka kahit mag-isa ka lang. Promise!” and well, they are right. They spoiled me a bit with some of the scenes, specifically, “matured” scenes “daw”. So I’m became even more curious and excited to watch it.
During the first few scenes, I was like, “Akala ko ba masaya? Bakit ganito puro sayawan na parang naglalaban na ewan?”Although the performance was nice, I wasn’t really that into it but after I watch the next scenes until the end, I can say that I was really impressed and if I’ll rate the play, it’ll be 9.5/10. The play was really “modern” in a way that it was able to show the current issues or trends like the political rivalry, “showbiz” (where J answers questions from the media in a nice way as if she’s a goody two-shoes girl but deep inside she curses and she’s just a fame whore), sex (casual sex), love, partying, social media, etc. With regards to the “mature” scenes, I really admire the actors and actresses because they were very professional. The scenes were very realistic (kissing scenes!). Awkwardness wasn’t seen which made it more natural. I love the balance of the production numbers (singing and dancing) and the actual scenes because the right combination brought so much feels and entertainment to the audience. Personally, I liked the scene where R and J were so sweet and all (the forbidden date) because it’s just so “nakakakilig”. Lastly, I didn’t see that kind of ending coming since it’s Romeo and Juliet so I thought it will still end with the “’til death do us part” ending. I didn’t expect that they will make the ending more tragic. I can still remember the scene wherein J told R, “Sorry, I cannot die for love,” then R answered, “Its okay. I won’t wait for you,” then J replied, “Please teach me how to unlove you.” then R said, “Love is like a drug but never say no to it,” then he handed the “drug” to J. I thought J’s going to drink it but when the people unfreeze and J hugged the guy, who I think is her new boyfriend, I learned that what R meant was that love is always there so never say not to it. Not because the one you love passed away, you’ll also kill yourself. Life is a gift. It is precious. The world won’t stop revolving even if that someone died and so is your life. It shouldn’t stop there. Yes you can mourn for your loss but life must go on and eventually, we should still move forward and it includes accepting a new love if destiny’s giving it to us.
Shane Catherine G. Lopez
2015-13132
STS THX
My friends and I planned to watch the DUP’s #R</3J because of the great reviews about the play. Unfortunately, they watched the play on an earlier schedule so I had to watch it alone. Before my scheduled date, September 12 at 10am, I asked them, “Uy maeenjoy ko pa ba to? Wala kasi akong kasama manood eh.” Then they answered, “Okay lang yan! Super ganda nung play! Matutuwa ka kahit mag-isa ka lang. Promise!” and well, they are right. They spoiled me a bit with some of the scenes, specifically, “matured” scenes “daw”. So I’m became even more curious and excited to watch it.
During the first few scenes, I was like, “Akala ko ba masaya? Bakit ganito puro sayawan na parang naglalaban na ewan?”Although the performance was nice, I wasn’t really that into it but after I watch the next scenes until the end, I can say that I was really impressed and if I’ll rate the play, it’ll be 9.5/10. The play was really “modern” in a way that it was able to show the current issues or trends like the political rivalry, “showbiz” (where J answers questions from the media in a nice way as if she’s a goody two-shoes girl but deep inside she curses and she’s just a fame whore), sex, love, partying, social media, etc. With regards to the “mature” scenes, I really admire the actors and actresses because they were very professional. The scenes were very realistic (kissing scenes!). Awkwardness wasn’t seen which made it more natural. I love the balance of the production numbers (singing and dancing) and the actual scenes because the right combination brought so much feels and entertainment to the audience. Personally, I liked the scene where R and J were so sweet and all (the forbidden date) because it’s just so “nakakakilig”. Lastly, I didn’t see that kind of ending coming since it’s Romeo and Juliet so I thought it will still end with the “’til death do us part” ending. I didn’t expect that they will make the ending more tragic. I can still remember the scene wherein J told R, “Sorry, I cannot die for love,” then R answered, “Its okay. I won’t wait for you,” then J replied, “Please teach me how to unlove you.” then R said, “Love is like a drug but never say no to it,” then he handed the “drug” to J. I thought J’s going to drink it but when the people unfreeze and J hugged the guy, who I think is her new boyfriend, I learned that what R meant was that love is always there so never say not to it. Not because the one you love passed away, you’ll also kill yourself. Life is a gift. It is precious. The world won’t stop revolving even if that someone died and so is your life. It shouldn’t stop there. Yes you can mourn for your loss but life must go on and eventually, we should still move forward and it includes accepting a new love if destiny’s giving it to us.
Shane Catherine G. Lopez
2015-13132
STS THX
Before I saw the play, I had been hearing that the story was set to cater the new generation. It is quite hard to believe but when I saw the play, it made sense to me a lot.
The Capulets and Montagues were depicted as celebrities and political families, respectively. Just like the richest and the most powerful families and royalties before, in the Philippines, celebrities and political families of today are who the masses look up to and who serve as an influence. Everything that happens in the government and to the public officials gets to the public. Even the most irrelevant issues (e.g. relationship status of a public officer) get released in the public via media. Every side of these people’s lives always gets caught on the camera, always set as the center of the universe.
The main characters, Romeo and Juliet, were redeveloped to represent the present generation. They were depicted as young people who live for fun, experiment on recreational drugs and love to party which are somewhat unrepresentative to most Filipino youth. It’s quite generalized yet remains true for some youth who were lost in life.
Social media also played a very big role in the story, which is consistent in today’s time. Social sites give people the freedom to connect to their peers, to express and present their thoughts and stands in several issues and to freely show their identities. However, this also became a barrier to the present generation in establishing a more personal and intimate connections with other people; some forgotten to explore and navigate the real world.
The ending was different in the original story but I find it more realistic and consistent with the Filipino culture. The twist, I think, meant to show that the present generation thinks in a more practical manner, that their lives do not revolve around love and romance alone, though it also showed that the generation represent by R and J have the ability to love faithfully despite knowing that their love has passed away.
The play really takes on a different path to retell the story of Romeo and Juliet. The story was really newsworthy and relatable.
Divine Grace A. Acoba
2012-09092
STS THX
DUP’s R</3J was really good, even by DUP standards, all the technicalities were spot on. I think for a moment though, there was a botch by Romeo, but I'm not sure as they could hide mistakes very well.The lights, the music, it was perfect. My favorite part was the storyline, how the writers blended the Original Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare and adapt it to a modern-Philippine setting. As usual, a job well tone by the DUP!
Cesar Louie Labadan
2014-75295
STS THY
DUP’s #R</3J really surprised me. I've heard good reviews about it even before we watched the play but I did not expect that it would be that good. It may not be the best DUP play I've ever watched, but I really enjoyed it because of the "light" mood of the scenes. Although the play was about the tragic love story of R and J in the modern world, the lines of the characters were funny.
I really loved the play because they managed to think of creative ways to transform the original R&J's love story into a multimedia hallucination. The play also had "kilig" moments, which I liked. However, the tone of the play changed as it approached the end. It became more serious, so even the audience felt the weight of the scene. It showed how powerful the social media is, especially in spreading rumors. In the play, the wrong rumor that J's dead reached R, which made him kill himself.
The issues addressed in the scenes, I think, were prevalent especially here in the Philippines where people are hungry for power. Some people don't care even if they hurt other people's feelings, as long as they get the power that they want. Aside from that, the play also exhibited the mindset of many teenagers today, "Fake it 'til you make it." It is saddening that some teenagers cannot rightly express themselves because of expectations from other people. I may not like the idea of that mindset, but at least that mindset made J realize that suicide is not a solution to any problem.
Dulaang UP’s R </3 J was more than what I expected. Having watched movie adaptations of the play, I wasn't prepared for the dark plot and humor.
Dark elements were added to the play all of which tries to tap into the current generation and how we are affected by technology, the current issues, and problems of the society.
The direction, music, choreography, and superb acting took me and the audience into a chaotic, and wild Manila driven by a young, reckless, and "techy" generation. All throughout the play, I kept reminding myself of the original Romeo and Juliet and how much of a shift R </3 J is. Rethinking how the current generation is a million folds from Shakespeare's time, makes me wonder at how language has evolved and how communication has improved.
R </3 J is about a dystopian Manila, and our generation's struggles to find true love and happiness.
STS THY
#R</3J was not your ordinary play. I've seen a couple of Romeo and Juliet plays before but this isn't like any other. This classic play is expected to be portrayed in an old-fashioned way but it wasn't. It was a combination of the ancient and the modern. Also, the script writer added so many things that made the play so much better.
It was amazing how Romeo and Juliet was integrated to a modernistic kind of romance. It was peculiar to see Shakespeare in that kind of way, though it was so eccentric, it was so effective and it even made the audience listen all throughout the play. There was no dead moment. Every scene and line was really thought about. The personalities of each character in the story were presented precisely. It was like meeting Romeo and Juliet live in person. J's interviews and R's suicide in the actual set and through the TV screen was striking, and made the audience think about R's and J's true feelings towards each other.
This was another excellently produced play by the University of the Philippines (UP). All of the plays here in UP were so excellent that it really shows why it is the premier university in the country. The way it approaches and illustrates plays is so unique. The dialogue is something that everyone can easily relate to, and the way it incorporated it with the prevailing issues in the Philippines was just accurately portrayed. The ending made everyone want something more but we all knew that it was the ending for Romeo and Juliet. No next chapters. No next lines.
Nitafan, Faith Nicole P.
2015-13711
STS THY
After watching the play, my friend and I went somewhere else to have dinner. The play finished late and we still ate so we were on our way home very late. Nearing midnight, the jeepney that we were riding in stopped and a group of people rode in. A lady in the group was familiar. I thought for a while where had I seen her and I remembered. I saw her in the ticket booth of Dulaang UP (DUP). She was the one who sold the tickets to me. She was there during the play.
I got excited that I had a chance to talk to the cast of DUP and I did not let the opportunity pass. I started the conversation with praises about the play. “Ang ganda po noong play.” The lady was astounded but she eventually smiled and asked if we watched the play. “Nag-enjoy ba kayo?” We replied yes.
Then the conversation goes on about the play until one of their companions asked us something about the ending. “Ano interpretation niyo doon sa ending?” We were caught off guard because she suddenly spoke and what is more surprising was her question is a hard one. We had not thought talked about the ending so I recalled what I felt during the ending. “Tingin ko, it just simply relays that you should not waste your life with just one person.” That was so cheesy but that was really what I felt.
The original Romeo and Juliet ending is they committed suicide after falsely knowing one after the other that they killed themselves. What happened in R</3J was different. Although both of them got the false news, only Romeo ended his life; Juliet chose to stay alive. Romeo was called by his cousin through the mobile phone and told him that the death of Juliet trended in Twitter.
One could see here the role of technology in contemporary times. If William Shakespeare wrote the tragic love story of Rome and Juliet now, it must be no closer than what DUP had portrayed.
Allen Renaldo O. Cruz
STS THY
2012-32153
I loved the play! It was definitely the best DUP play I’ve ever watched. The dance, acting, video-integration, costume, stage design— everything was impeccable! Every cent of the money I paid for my ticket was all worth it.
I loved how the play was faithful to the essence of the original. Though the setting has changed, and the characters adapted to this change, the plot still followed the original— and I like how they did this through injecting several issues in our society today.The play tackled issues such as actors in politics, drugs, alcoholism, sex, violence, show business, social media, cyber sex and homosexuality among others. I like how J did not die literally, like in the original play. She died inside— and that for me is worse and is more powerful than Shakespeare’s version.
The ending did not make much sense to me, though. I did not understand the significance of their phones’ flashes and the silence that accompanied it. I’m not certain if the way I interpreted it is correct.
Jean Mariz Villanueva
2014-21180
STS THX
I came into UP not knowing of the culture shock and worldly environment that everyone was talking about. I thought everyone was exaggerating just what college really was; after all, it is a bigger world than high school. However, I was definitely proved wrong by my surroundings in UP. A true testament to that would be the Dulaang play R </3 J. As most of my classes required to watch the play, I did not know what to expect from it. I have always loved the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet, and here was a modern take on it with a very surprising twist. I have learned much from this unexpected turn of events and the play itself. Though it was a very radical way of starting my UP experience, I definitely learned much about how technology can affect our way of living. Things that we thought to be true then like trust and love become so vague and virtual via social media. Technology serves as a pathway that distorts true feelings, one that we must use sparingly because as much as we need it, we must learn to express without it. In conclusion, I am quite glad that the culture shock I have felt was towards this play. It was the good kind of culture shock, the type that I am certain I will grow from in the years to come.
DYCHIAO, Robyn Gayle Kho
2015-07342
STS THX
I have never watched a play by the Dulaang UP in my 3 years in the University of the Philippines. I wasn’t even aware that such a group existed. This is most likely due to the rigors of training with the table tennis varsity team that I never had the chance to wander and explore much around UP. I am currently enrolled in a Comm 3 subject this semester and luckily, we were required by our professor to watch this particular play by the Dulaang UP. Now, all of a sudden, I’ve been wanting and itching to watch every play by the Dulaang UP.
The play was entitled, #R</3J: A Multimedial Hallucination on William Shakespeare’s ROMEO and JULIET. The Dulaang UP clearly and definitely did justice to this title. #R</3J retells the story of the star-crossed lovers revolving in the heart of Metro Manila with corruption, revolt, advertisements, sex, social media and condominium units that complicates the lives of Romeo and Juliet together with their friends and family. #R</3J is a modern take of the classic which retells the story by contrasting and adapting it to the realities of our generation’s culture such as the Internet, social media, technology, corruption, and politics.
I think “#R</3J” is a very interesting and daring take on William Shakespeare’s 1597 classic play—‘Romeo and Juliet’. I think there was no better way to present it the way the Dulaang UP did. I also think that a modern play with a twist in the plot relating it to today's generation is a bold yet brilliant and exciting move which could capture the attention and the affection of children, teenagers, and even oldies from this generation. The play was really awe-inspiring in such a way that it juxtaposed the love story of Romeo and Juliet to our country’s own story and also to the current and real-time problems that we all face together as a country and as a society. It also serves as an eye opener to the ugly truth that the Filipinos of today’s generation continue to face while also reminding them that not everything should be primarily and solely dictated by our emotions… We should also use our head… #UtakPuso #UPuso
FERRER, Neil Patrick S.
2012-78997
STS THX