Hey Jude

Last April 20, 2016, we watched a play entitled “Ang Favorite Book Ni Jude”, a Bob Ong novel, performed by the Teatro Tomasino at the Education Auditorium.  The story was about  Jude, who was the main character, who turned his back from God because of all the struggles he faced in his life that he taught that God left him all by himself. He was given another chance to bring back his faith and to realize all his mistakes in the afterlife with God.

When we reached the auditorium, we were asked to sign up and wait for about 15-20 minutes before we could go inside the venue which made me feel a little bit off because of the long waiting time given that it was really hot and already congested outside. When we finally entered, the temperature of the auditorium was bearably cold which compensated the heat outside. With regards to lighting and color schemes from the start to finish of the play, I definitely love it because it was pleasing to the eyes and the transition of lighting and colors on stage was done well. It was really like I was watching a professionally done play like the ones from Ballet Manila because of Teatro Tomasino’s great and appropriate presentation of their lighting and color effects at every scene. I think that their sound system was not that loud that it could not go as fully as far at the back where we were located therefore some of the words in the script could not be heard and thus could not be understood by us. The size and shape of the auditorium was fine because it fitted all of us and the stage was big allowing the actors to move freely and confidently. 

The spatial layout of the venue was just balanced; it was not too big nor too small. I believe it could accommodate the ten sections of Marketing so it was just exact for all of us. With regards to the functionality of the furniture or equipment used, I think that everything had done its purpose like the stage, props, microphones, audio visuals, chairs and the like. But the chairs are really a little bit tall and I feel uncomfortable seating on it. 

           

In terms of the signs, symbols and artifacts dimension, there was no sign pertaining to the signing of attendance and the lining up of students before entering so there was clogging and those who arrived earlier were the ones who were seated at the back because students were reserving seats for their late classmates which was not fair. We were the earliest there and when we entered the auditorium and was hoping to seat near the front, students said that the whole row was reserved and stuff so it was really annoying because we actually paid and our section was early but of course, there were student "representatives" who were earlier who reserved the whole place for their section that was why we ended up seating at the back. It was even more annoying when we see latecomers occupying those seats that we asked if we could have. But that is life tho.  

           

On the other hand, the play made me excited to watch out for every scenes because I have not read the book so I was just depending on what I was seeing but honestly there were scenes that got me bored. Also, I felt distressed during Melchor and Lena's intimate scene because it was too long and it was really awkward. *laughs at loud* As a whole, the play was entertaining and enjoying because the actors made sure that even though the theme of the story was sensitive and of course should be taken very seriously, they still managed to lighten up the mood and made us relate to it in a very positive way like for instance when they blurted out jokes, when they were dancing, and when they keep some heavy scenes still calm to watch.It was not only absolutely fun to watch but I had many realizations about life and my faith. It was a great show indeed and thumbs up to all who made the play, backstage and front stage.