ShareThisThe recent performance of Kundiman, Alay Kay Rizal, directed by Olga Natividad, presented a memorable showcase for Filpino artists and theater group in the Chicagoland area. Held at the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, the program included compositions by reknown Filipino musicians: Francisco Buencamino, Felipe de Leon, Mike Velarde Jr, Antonio del Rosario and Levi Celerio, Malou Jacob, Jerry Brandy and Ennio Moriconne.
An operatic musical, Kundiman’s cast of singers and actors included Jay Espano (Jose Rizal), Karrel Bernardo (bass-baritone), Rachel Renee (soprano), Joachim Luis (tenor), Judy Seghers (Soprano), Rica Goldyn (soprano), Karl Rodriquez (piano) and a special performance from Ester Hana (piano).
Carmelia Rodriquez (assistant director and video designer) and Anna Ruth Santiago (translator) completed the core group for Kundiman. The event was a joint program of the Consulate General of the Philippines, headed by Leo M. Herrera-Lim, Consul General, and the Chicago Public Library represented by Craig L. Davis, Director of Adult Services, in celebration of Jose Rizal’s 150th anniversary.
Espano gave a credible performance as Jose Rizal supported by Goldyn’s snappy jolt of writhing vocals, ably hitting the high notes of the deranged Sisa’s anguish. Bernardo delivered vigorous arias made livelier by dancing and histrionic gestures. Seghers gave dynamic readings of tuneful arias. Renee and Luis ably provided fresh voices and counterpoint in their supporting roles.
Musical pieces appropriately traced excerpts from Jose Rizal’s multi-faceted life as a writer, poet, innovative physician, polyglot, and a revolutionary leader against social injustices and the abusive Spanish colonial rule. The simple stage layout with understated lighting synchronized well with the slide show of historical footnotes. It included visuals of Filipinos, Luneta Park and familiar Manila structures.
This presentation could have used a well-written and memorable playbill.
The ensemble closed the performance with a stirring medley of Bayan Ko/Lupang Hinirang. This finale conjures an eerie haunting refrain of corruption, greed, apathy, and social injustices.
Written by Grace A. Villamora
Author, Consultant, Evangelist for Knowledge Management
(312) 933.4762
KUNDIMAN, ALAY KAY RIZAL
June 28, 2011 6 P.M.
Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605