PETA offers Chekhov and Shakespeare adaptations, RADA acting workshop

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is kicking off 2015 with a RADA acting workshop and a Chekhov adaptation. 

Cherie Gil leads the cast of "Arbol de Fuego," Rody Vera's adaptation of Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard." With the story moving from early 20th century Russia to Negros in the last years of Marcos' rule, Gil stars as Enriquetta Jardeleza-Sofronio, an heiress in financial straits who refuses to face the reality of the need to sell her family hacienda.

The rest of the cast is made up of similarly impressive actors, including Angeli Bayani, Jake Macapagal, Anna Luna, Bembol Roco and Leo Rialp.

"Arbol de Fuego" runs from February 20 to March 15 at the PETA Theater Center.

PETA will also bring back two productions this month. Vera's "FnL," which is loosely based on Balagtas' "Florante at Laura," will have a short run at the SM Skydome on February 3 and 4.

The other returning production is "Haring Lear," Beinvenido Lumbera's adaptation of Shakeseare;s tragedy. This time, the story is set in a post-apocalyptic world, and has an all-male cast. It will run from February 27 to March 8 at the School of Design and Arts Theater in De La Salle University.

RADA acting workshop

PETA will also be hosting two intensive workshops, one for professional actors and the other for theater lovers who aspire to perform on the stage.

In partnership with the British Council and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), PETA is bringing back RADA's Acting Techiques Workshop from February 2 to 7. It will be conducted by acting tutors Nonna Shephard and Tom Wakeley, who will be using Shakespeare's "The Tempest".

From April 7 to May 17, PETA will hold its Summer Program for aspiring performers of all ages. They will be taught PETA's integrated theater arts approach (ITA), which covers the basics of theater performance such as body movement, drama, music, and dance.

The courses offered are Children's Theater 1&2, Teen Theater, Theater Arts, Basic Acting, Creative Musical Theater 1& 2, and a new course, Advanced Acting. It will be taught by veteran director Felix "Nonon" Padilla. — BM, GMA News

For more information, visit the PETA website or call 725-6244. For tickets, contact TicketWorld at 891-9999.