Pampanga artist Andy Alviz creates a theatrical Passion of the Christ

Pampanga group ArtiStaRita performs "Tulauk," a play about the Passion of Christ, on April 7, 2017. Photos: Ruston Banal

During Holy Week, Pampanga becomes a place where crucifixions and flagellations are common street spectacles. From the "magdarame" (flagellant), who brings horror to some people because of his self-mutilation, to the real crucifixion of others, these acts draw thousands of crowds—even in the unbearable heat—to places like Cutud in San Fernando. It's an option for people wanting to view sincere but unconventional ways of showing your faith.

To Andy Alviz, however, there is more to see in Pampanga other than these activities or its century-old churches. For the past 17 years, this artist—who has worked as a chorreographer for regional performances of "Miss Saigon"—has been active in the local Kapampangan theater scene.

Alviz's group ArtiStaRita—young Kapampangan actors, the majority of whom come from Alviz's hometown Sta. Rita—on Friday staged a theater play, "Tulauk" ("Tilaok" in Tagalog), a modern rendition of the Passion of Christ.

The play was performed in a park in San Isidro, Sta. Rita, in a modified amphitheater that overlooks the town's fishponds and rice fields. Admission was free. "We intended to make the story of Christ something accessible to everybody in a way that can be understood by the young generations [and] at the same time in a location where, culturally and geographically, people can relate," said Alviz.

Since its conception, ArtiStaRita has been performing plays, often about Kapampangan folk themes, in different parts of the country. It has also performed in New York and Los Angeles. In 2007, the group's Duman Festival—now a popular event every December—received the National Commission for Culture and the Arts' (NCCA) Gawad ng Alab ng Haraya. "Tulauk" is now on its 5th year as a major Kapampangan theater production.

"Tulauk" adds current music and some comedy to the classic tale. "We use common Filipino sensibilities that are current among the younger generations, even the use of the culture of social media in addressing issues of the contemporary times," said Alviz. "You can see Peter using his cellphone to text the other disciples every time he calls for a meeting with the Christ."

Using funding from private donors, "Tulauk" will be staged in 10 locations within the region, using the actual environment to add realism to the production. "You can see that we utilize the use of the fishpond in the scene where Christ walks above the water. And the that was one of the highlights as people started to cheer and clap so loud. This is what we need: engagement with the people," said Alviz.

"Tulauk" is written by Randy Del Rosario , Fr. Deo Galang, Andy Alviz and directed by Andy Alviz. The play will have its last show on April 16, Easter Sunday, at 7 p.m. in Nepo Park, Angeles City. — BM, GMA News