If you watched today's matinee showing of "Pierre Romancon," the Benildean Community's gift to the College, as DLS-CSB celebrates a 25-year milestone, you might have noticed additional "cast members" positioned just below stage left in similar costumes with their own spotlight.
Mr. John Baliza and Mr. Bayani Generoso were the gracious and dedicated Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Interpreters who bridged the music and dialogue of the rock musical take on St. Benilde's life for the Benildean Deaf audience.
With the full support of the Lasallian Mission & Student Life and the Office of Culture and Arts, "Pierre Romancon" is an original production that brings focus to the question, "Who is Saint Benilde to us at this day and age?" Rommel "Riki" Benedicto, with the roles of Director and Lead Cast Member as Pierre on his shoulders, wanted everyone to be a part of St. Benilde's world and experience the selfless act of love.
In a very emotional scene, the play highlights an important part of St. Benilde's journey as a Brother when he encounters Leopold, a Deaf young man whose father has left for war. It is here that Liza Magtoto's script and libretto with TJ Ramos' composition and musical direction shines as Pierre sings of his lifelong vocation to be an educator and his hope for Leopold's plight and future. This is the inspirational story that is behind De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's goal to be "inventive, to go beyond what is expected of us, to be extraordinary."
Eyes shone with tears and lips formed praises and smiles as the School of Design and Arts (SDA) Theater's houselights came on. The audience clapped heartily as student artists of Benilde, headed by the resident theater group, Dulaang Filipino took their final bows after which cast members extended their hands upward in deaf claps to show their appreciation as well. "Pierre Romancon" is a production with heart that brought together the various members of the Benildean family whether student, teacher, administrator or staff to remind us to be the spark of change in the lives of others the best way we can.
Catch the show which will run until tomorrow at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, School of Design & Arts Theater (5th Flr. School of Design & Arts campus, 950 P. Ocampo St. - formerly Vito Cruz - Malate, Manila ). Tonight's 7pm show will have FSL Interpreters as well.
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