Ma. Chrissa T.

Guico

2016-01541

Distrito de Molo

Distrito de Molo is a play that talks about the history of the great district of Molo. Portraying
one of the most diverse and cultural districts in Iloilo is a challenge but Dulaang UPs production really
brought its history back to life. The costumes, lights and sets were very minimal but it relayed the
architecture and culture of Molo very well. The three acts portray the people of Molo and how they
have contributed to the contemporary times of today.

The first act, Tres Hermanas de Molo revolves around the post-war lives of the Locsin sisters.
All three sisters are not married and have resided in Molo all their lives. All their ranting about their
lives in Molo lead to the leaving of the two younger sisters leaving the eldest behind. As the two
sisters come back to Molo their darkest secrets unfold. They may find their desires in other
destinations but they still come back home to Molo for comfort.

The second act, Atlas de Molo shows the return of Eric and Lorena Avancea to their ancestral
home for their honeymoon. Lorena falls in love with the mystery and history of the ancestral home but
Eric plans to sell the place and put up a supermarket. As Eric vainly exercises and shows off his
muscular physique Atlas, the statue in the garden, comes to life and tests his manliness. Atlas shares
his story and tells Eric that to be the strongest man in the world he has to carry the world on his
shoulders. Eric does carry the world but Atlas only does this to trick Eric and steal Lorena from him.

The last act, Venus de Molo tells the story of Don Guillermo Arroyo and his obsession of the
Greek goddess, Venus. He hires Crispino, a local sculptor, to sculpt the Venus. As he hires Crispino he
questions his practices and beliefs. Crispino reveals that he believes in Laosena, a Filipino goddess. As
Crispino sculpts the Venus Laosena visits him and tells him to sculpt her instead. Don Guillermo
continues to pester Crispino as he sculpts not knowing that Laosena herself has sculpted her in
marble. Don Guillermo goes mad as he sees Laosena and is cursed his whole life.

The play may be presented in a simple setting but the elements were in harmony. The
costumes were very accurate to the time and suitable to the character. The lights and sounds were all
in sync to the portrayal of the actors. The sets were very minimal but they showed so much character
to their respective setting. And of course the actors and actresses were very convincing and pleasing.

Most plays that portray the history of a certain place tend to be boring but Distrito de Molo
was a play worth watching. From all three acts the Tres Hermanas de Molo really stood out. The
diversity of the three sisters were very entertaining. It showed that even the modest have their
secrets and it also taught the value of family.