The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, headed by Honourable Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil, held a wreath-laying ceremony on the 28th of December 2023 and launched the Reader’s Theatre in commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal. This event was attended by the Special Tourism Representative Purificacion Molintas, Special Trade Representative Alma Argayoso, Knights of Rizal (KOR)and Kababaihang Rizalista Inc.(KRI) officials and members, Filipino-Australian community leaders and members, local media personnel and family members of the production cast.
The Reader’s Theatre is a modified form of dramatisation through performance reading and characterisation. Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere was selected for this dramatic reading to raise awareness of his literary works and promote his ideals and patriotism through enhanced interest and appreciation of Filipino culture, heritage and language among the Filipinos in Australia, especially the second and third generations. This is in line with this year’s Rizal Day theme, “Rizal: Foundation of the Past, Living Today” (Rizal: Pundasyon ng Kahapon, Isinasabuhay Ngayon”).
Three chapters from the novel, which included “An Idyll on an Azotea” – (Chapter 7), “A Schoolmaster’s Difficulties” – (Chapter 19) and “The Story of a Mother – (Chapter 21), was read by five Sydney-based Filipino Australians namely: Ms. Grazie Panlican, Mr. David Joshua Delos Reyes, Ms. Carina Prentice, Mr. Iñaki Arrieta, and Lady Marilyn Mendez. Each chapter was introduced by short narratives delivered by three Filipino Australian leaders, particularly Lady Jinky Marsh, Sir Rado Gatchalian and Ms. Fredisinda Buchlak. These narratives were written by Palanca awardee and De La Salle University Professor Dr Jose Victor Torres and KOR Deputy Area Commander – Eastern Australia Sir Rado Gatchalian, KCR. This year’s Reader’s Theatre was directed by creative stage director Mr. Rosaldo “Chi” De Jesus.
The Reader’s Theatre performance was recorded live on social media and received an outpouring of support from the audience. The recording may be viewed on the official Facebook page of the Philippine Consulate General.
