Noli Me Tangere, a novel written by the national hero of the Philippines, Dr Jose Rizal, has been adapted into a musical and is making its way to Perth, Western Australia. The show is only the second production of the musical, with the first being performed in Sydney in 2019.
Miguel Castro, one of the main cast members and organizers of the production, shed light on the production’s background and his involvement in the project.
Inspiration behind the Musical
The book and lyrics of the Noli Me Tangere musical were written by Peter Fleming and Allan McFadden, with music composed by Allan McFadden. Mr Fleming was introduced to Noli Me Tangere by his Filipina wife, who described the novel as the Les Miserables or Count of Monte Cristo of the Philippines. Mr Fleming based his work on the original novel, slightly changing it to an Australian viewership. The show is around 80% true to the original work.
Cast and Production Team
Miguel Castro, who plays the lead role of Crisostomo in the production, got involved with the project through a referral by other producers to Mr Fleming and Mr McFadden.
“They came to one of my art exhibit openings, where I usually render some songs,” Castro said.
They learned that he had been performing the non-musical version of Noli Me Tangere in Manila for a long time, gradually taking on different roles until he ended up playing the lead role.
Castro’s personal need to bring a historic event to the Filipinos and Australians in any place he moves to has always been a driving force behind his involvement in the project. He believes in the material and music and wants to bring an experience of Philippine flavour to an Australian audience. When he moved to Perth and everybody knew of NMT, the thought of producing it in Perth started.
In casting the main roles, the focus was on bringing a professionally mounted musical, which required performers who could truly sing and act. The production includes a range of diverse actors, most of whom are students and graduates of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), who seek materials that would showcase their capabilities.
Faith Rico, who plays Maria Clara in the production, is a WAAPA-trained singer who Castro says was the only actor considered for the role. He had met her previously during one of his singing engagement visits to Perth and was impressed by her singing style. The role of Elias is played by Tim Claxton, a WAAPA graduate who is also a singer and songwriter. Sarah Gannon, another student at WAAPA, plays the role of Tasio, switching from being a Narrator to Tasio on stage.
Other members of the cast include Nico Keppler, who plays a natural performer, Sam Claxton, a WAAPA student who plays the worldly Padre Salvi, and Eve-Scarlett Trower, another adventurous WAAPA student who plays Donya Victorina and Kapitan Tiago. Mayumi Morales plays the role of Sisa, and Matikas Morales and Jillrey Rico play the roles of her tragic children, Basilio and Crispin, respectively. The ensembles are played by Hannah Jane Keppler, Ai-Nhi Tran, Josh Edwards, and Cielo Franklin.
Castro wants the Filipino audience to be taken back to their old memories of studying the novel in school and its connection to their roots as Filipinos. He also wants the Australian audience and the rest of the Perth community to have a glimpse of what Philippine culture and artistry is about. The show’s costumes are authentically designed to give the audience the feel of the old Philippines.
Faith Rico, the other organizer and main cast, said that the role of Maria Clara is very special and significant as she is an epitome of the beauty and great virtues of the Philippines.
She was surprised and excited when she was offered the role, as she had been trying to get an audition slot for the role of Sisa when the auditions were first announced. But when she was offered the role of Maria Clara, she was thrilled and felt a great sense of responsibility to portray the character in the best way possible.
“After the excitement, of course, there is the reality of the big responsibility I have to fulfil and that is to present Maria Clara in the best possible way. I have that responsibility of being the very first Maria Clara in Western Australia,” Rico said.
On behalf of the entire production team, Faith Rico expresses her gratitude to everyone who has supported the project. She says it is a challenge to bring Noli Me Tangere to Western Australia, but they are thankful for the cast, sponsors, friends, and, most of all, their families, who have been very supportive and have never stopped believing in what they are trying to achieve. They hope to connect the modern generation to their heritage, culture, and history so that Dr Jose P. Rizal’s sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Play Dates
The production of Noli Me Tangere is scheduled for March 17 and 18, 2023, at St Joseph Church at 3 Salvado Road in Subiaco, WA. Tickets can be purchased through the website www.ozpinoy.com.au. The show promises to be a unique experience that will transport audiences to the old Philippines and showcase the country’s culture and artistry. It is an excellent opportunity for Filipinos and Australians to come together and appreciate the beauty of Noli Me Tangere, a literary masterpiece that has inspired generations of Filipinos.
