Legarda Invites Everyone to Watch ‘Balag at Angud’

Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to watch “Balag at Angud”, the life story of Luis “JunYee” Yee, Jr., a pioneer of installation art in the country, from August 31 to September 16, 2018 at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

The play recounts JunYee’s childhood in Agusan del Norte, his decision to pursue art against the wishes of his father, to the construction of the 2007 outdoor installation titled “Angud: A Forest Once” at the CCP.

The title of the play was based on two important works of JunYee. Balag is a trellis structure made from bamboo bound firmly by ropes or strings where vines grow. This installation was displayed in UP Diliman where students could pass underneath, tie on objects/paper with messages about protest, poetry or love notes.

Angud, on the other hand, is the part of the tree trunk where holes are drilled in order to haul logs from the mountains. That part with the hole is stripped or chopped, discarded, and is considered as scrap because it no longer has use and cannot be sold. Junyee’s Angud installation is a visual statement against illegal logging in the country.

“JunYee is one of the most important artists in the country because of the significance of his works in our society. We share the same passion not only in art and culture, but also in the environment. The three pieces of angud he gave me are displayed in my office and would always remind me of my advocacy against illegal logging and the environment as a whole,” said Legarda.

“JunYee’s art is proof that we can make something great out of what we think is junk already. He makes art out of soot, discarded angud, old wood, among others, and always uses indigenous materials in his works. I hope people would watch ‘Balag and Angud’ so that they understand how artists like JunYee use their talent and creativity to promote a noble cause,” Legarda added.

Opening on August 31, 2018 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater), the production features playwright Rody Vera in the title role, with Dune Michael Garcia and Paw Castillo playing Junyee’s child and teenage self, Jonathan Tadioan as Luis, Astarte Abraham as Marites, and Mia Bolaños as Felisa. Musician Bayang Barrios plays the role of Musa, Junyee’s muse, and members of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company as part of the ensemble. Directing “Balag at Angud” is veteran actor Audie Gemora.

The production also features music from Dodjie Fernandez of Patatag and musical direction by Upeng Galang-Fernandez, with set design by Toym Imao, and assisted by Marco Viaña.

“Balag at Angud” will run from August 31 to September 16, 2018 at the CCP Little Theater (Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino) with shows at 3 PM and 8 PM, exclusive of Sundays (only 3 PM shows), with special shows on September 7 – 3pm, September 13 – 3pm and 8pm, and September 14 – 3pm.

For ticket reservations, please contact Lorelei Celestino at 0915 6072275 or Juan Marco Lorenzo at 0999 8843821 or 832-1125 local 1620/1621. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld online or by calling 891-9999, and at the CCP Box Office. Visit the official TP website athttps://tanghalangpilipino.com/or email[email protected]for more information.