Far Eastern University (FEU) Theater Guild (FTG) revealed that this year’s play ‘Ang Pinakamakisig sa mga Nalunod sa Buong Daigdig’ directed by Dudz Teraña might be its last run during its Critique Night at the FEU Center for the Arts (FCA) Studio last September 13.

The production based on the short story of Gabriel García Márquez, ‘The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World,’ first premiered by FTG last 2017.

‘Makisig’ reran last 2018 and had its third run in 2020 organized by BoxStage Manila, the official association of FEU Theater Guild alumni, while this year’s play is the fourth run of the show.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, FTG Artistic Head Aaron Bayani shared that the guild is concluding the play as they change the version of shows they premiere.

“Ito na ‘yung fourth run ng Makisig and nagbabago na ng kind of plays na gustong ipalabas ‘yung FEU Theater Guild since binalik namin ito as a season-ender kasi we’re celebrating [our] 90th [anniversary] so malaking event siya for us. It’s a milestone, so dito namin ipapalabas ‘yung mga best plays namin and dito na rin namin sila isasarado para magbukas ng bagong chapter (This is the fourth run of Makisig and the FEU Theater Guild is changing the kind of shows we are premiering since we brought it back as a season-ender because we’re celebrating our 90th anniversary, so it’s a big event for us. It’s a milestone, so we will show our best plays as well as close them to open a new chapter),” he explained.

This year’s version of the play saw adapted changes in its production design.

“‘Yung first run nagsimula ‘yan sa stage lang, sunod nagpaleta, sunod nagbuhangin, tapos ngayon nagtubig kami (The first run it started with a stage, next we used pallets, then sand, and now we used water),” the artistic director shared.

FTG advised the audience to bring a cover-up since there is a possibility of getting wet during the play.

Moreover, Bayani stated that the guild went through intense preparation since the setting for this year’s run of the play required permission.

“Ang pinakamahirap sa set is ‘yung permission from the FCA since ‘yung set nga namin is napakaraming spectacle. May tubig, may kandila… Mahirap din maghanap ng mga sanga ng puno (Asking permission from FCA was the hardest since our set included many spectacles. There was water and candles… It was also hard to look for tree branches),” he expressed.

Additionally, the artistic head also came in prepared for the characterization and relationship building of the characters.

“Ang play na ‘to is ‘di siya nagfo-focus sa mga main characters or main lead… It’s an ensemble work, so kapag lumaylay ‘yung isa, babagsak ‘yung play (This play is not focused on the main characters or main lead… It’s an ensemble work, so if one fails, the play will fall apart),” Bayani explained.

He also emphasized that the importance of the Critique Night is to receive feedback from the audience to improve their play.

The artistic head encouraged the FEU community to support the show as it is dedicated to those who hope to watch theater plays that will make the audience feel immersed.

Makisig will star an all-female cast for set A and an all-male alumni cast for set B with their alumni.

The show will officially run from October 2 to 5, 9 to 12, 16 to 19, 23, 30 and November 6 to 8, 13 to 15, and 20 to 23 at 6 p.mPM. 

Tickets could be acquired through FTG’s website.

‘The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World’ revolves around the story of an island community changed by an unexpected event.

 - Cassandra Luis J. De Leon and Kasharelle Javier
(Photo by Justine Jaerigg/FEU Advocate)