REVIEW: 'Mga Multo' is generational trauma writ large
Based on Henrik Ibsen’s classic meditation on the things that haunt us, Ghosts hits the Philippine stage as Mga Multo, courtesy of Tanghalang Ateneo (Ardor).
Under the direction of Ron Capinding (The Impossible Dream, William) from his own translation of the original material, a host of veteran actors take on the tale of generational trauma and societal expectations.
Despite being set in 19th-century Norway, the relevance of Mga Multo’s (legendarily depressing) narrative stems from the fact that the concepts being tackled are almost effortlessly applicable to modern-day Philippine society.
Miren Alvarez-Fabregas returns to the stage as Senyora Elena Alvino, a paragon of 19th century propriety, and the sole occupant of a sprawling mansion house following the demise of her husband. That said husband's history of infidelity is a secret everyone keeps, especially when the orphanage built in his name is about to be inaugurated.
Alvino is attended by her faithful helper, Regina (Sabrina Basillio), whose dreams of a life beyond their small town put her at odds with her own father, Jacobo (Mark Aranal).
The arrival of Senyora Alvino’s son Oswaldo (Yan Yuzon) from studies abroad throws off the societal balance, as the impassioned youth declares his intention to marry Regina. With Pastor Mande (Joseph Dela Cruz) on hand to inaugurate the orphanage, and Jacobo pestering everyone for money to build a hostel, Senyora Alvino must decide whether or not to reveal her family’s greatest scandal. But when it’s revealed that Oswaldo has a revelation of his own, everyone will be forced to contend with the ghosts of the past.
Ibsen’s Ghosts was written as a critique of 19th-century morality (or the pretense thereof). The play mercilessly attacks societal issues like infidelity, incest, sexually transmitted diseases, euthanasia, and the performative nature of religious piety. Though controversial from the outset, it is troubling that little, if anything, has changed about how modern society deals (or chooses not to deal) with such matters.
Alvarez-Fabregas anchors the production as a woman for whom family dignity has been her life’s work, but as the storyline’s pressures mount, it becomes too much for even her practiced countenance to contain. Whether she’s being goaded on by her son, or implored upon by Pastor Mande to maintain appearances, the debates of what to reveal and what to sweep under the rug are all too familiar. This is a woman for whom maintaining appearances is paramount, even in the face of impossible betrayals and heartbreaks.
For their parts, Yuzon and Dela Cruz imbue their characters with increasingly manic energies that make the material sizzle, while Basillio’s ingenue and Aranal’s borderline petty criminal antics provide momentary respites from the play’s heavier moments. This may not be the easiest story to take in, especially given its devastating subject matter, but it’s certainly one that’s well worth a watch.
Award-winning production designer Gino Gonzales makes full use of the Doreen Black Box Theater’s stage, creating a moody, high-ceilinged manor house whose very walls are steeped in the sins long past.
As complemented by Monino Duque’s atmospheric lighting design, we are teleported to a world whose veil of performative dignity is about to be torn to shreds.
As noted by director Capinding in the press preview’s open forum, Ghosts may have been the play’s original English title, but Ibsen had always intended for it to be translated as, The Revenants.
Passing the mic, the cast was quick to point out that the shadow of beloved Tanghalang Ateneo Artistic Director Dr. Ricardo “Ricky” Abad inevitably loomed large over everything in the best possible way. If one were the suspicious type, he would read more into a stage light exploding while Sabrina Basillio was sharing her memories of Sir Ricky, but given the uniform excellence of the overall production, who are we to argue with a blessing from beyond?
Bravo.
Mga Multo runs from June 28 to July 7 at the Doreen Black Box Theater at Arete, Ateneo de Manila University. Tickets are available here.