Replacing the jazz chant competition for this year’s intramurals, the newly-introduced “Theater-athlon” performances received praise from judges during the Literary Night held at the university gymnasium, October 14.
Despite being a first-time event, the performances showcased by the various colleges impressed judges Karen Mae Crampatanta-Lagare, Stephanie Lazo, and Gian Carlo Licanda.
© Ashley Louisa Loyloy
“Na prove nila na kahit first-ever, napakagaling nilang lahat. So nahirapan talaga kami na magpili kung sino ‘yung panalo, kasi lahat ng colleges, perfect talaga sila. So, ang ginawa namin, nag post evaluation pa talaga kami,” Crampatanta-Lagare said.
Areas for improvement
When asked about potential improvements for future editions, the three judges offered constructive feedback.
“They have to understand that shouting or over-emotions should not be practiced always. It should have a good start, a good run, and a good ending. At saka more Filipino plays to be adapted on stage,” Lazo shared.
Moreover, Crampatanta-Lagare echoed Lazo’s statement, emphasizing the importance of vocal variety and embracing Filipino theatrical plays as American plays are often seen.
“Hindi lang puro sigaw sigaw. Pwede mahina, pwede malakas. And at the same time, i-embrace natin ‘yung Filipino na culture,” Lazo stated.
Meanwhile, Licanda hopes to see more focus on storytelling in future performances.
“Ako naman, parang for me lang yung guidelines. Specifically yung criteria, parang nag focus siya mostly sa performance. Parang I want to see a story, kahit excerpt lang siya. Still, gusto ko rin na may story line,” Licanda said.
Judges’ take on new event
According to Lazo, the Theater-athlon marks a significant development, especially in the region where theater is not as widely exposed as other forms of entertainment such as singing and dancing.
“It’s a fresh attack to art, especially in this university kasi when we tackle art, hindi siya masyadong tina tackle dito or hindi siya masyadong ina-apply on theater, especially here in GenSan or here in the Mindanao. Most of the time we get entertained with dances, with songs. Hindi tayo nakanood ng teatro,” Lazo remarked.
Lazo also expressed optimism about the university’s growing support for theater, acknowledging the challenges involved in producing such performances.
On the other hand, Licanda noted the event’s ability to bring performances that are typically only seen on TV, the internet, or Broadway closer.
“Parang you brought it here and kumbaga you put it in a new light. So that's what I love with [this] new competition,” Licanda highlighted, .
COE retains championship title amid change from jazz chant
Owning the championship title in last year’s Jazz Chant tilt which has since been replaced by the Theater-athlon, the College of Engineering (COE) successfully defended its championship title in the former event.
Jehiel Estrebello, who lead COE’s piece, noted the challenges of creating a performance within a limited timeframe.
“Actually, at first, we were really sad for the changes. But those changes didn't hinder us from giving a good performance. And to give the usual legacy ng engineering. Just to uphold excellence,” Estrello shared.
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