Militant, but groovy again!
Lean the musical stages for the second time
A lot of nameless individuals had sacrificed their lives facing the line of fire during and after the Marcos regime. Other than Ka Lando Olalia of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, Priests like Fr. Tulio Favali, and women militants like Lorena Barros, there are others who had been in the Universities, studying their lessons and yet keeping the militant spirit alive, using different terms yet carries the same stigma that contributes to the growth of multi-sectoral struggles for Nationalism and Democracy, one example of those militant intellectuals is Leandro "Lean" Alejandro.
As part of their 41st anniversary, as well as in commemoration of 26th years of Alejandro's demise, the UP Repertory Company stages for the second time of the Lean Alejandro the Musical, originally written by folk singer/composer Gary Granada.
The said musical was made back in the mid-1990s, and although abit influenced by Jesus Christ Superstar with its pop and rock music, the said musical tends to invoke the 80s generation, with its original cast included renowned artists like Chikoy Pura (of the Jerks), Bayang Barrios, Cookie Chua (of Color it Red), and Noel Cabangon.
This time, directed by UP Repertory alumna Kathryn Manga with the music re-arranged by Karl Ramirez (of Pagbabago), "Lean" tends to recreate scenes not just to remind of the late mass leader himself and his exploits, but also to celebrate a continuing past of social relevance, with its list of re-arranged yet meaningful "militant but groovy" songs and a cast that includes militant leader Vencer Crisostomo with his role as the main character.
A snippet of his life
Known for his militant idealism, Lean Alejandro had led the masses, first the UP studentry, and eventually the Filipino people in resisting the Marcos regime and struggling for genuine, militant and patriotic society alongside Lorenzo Tañada and Lando Olalia. He also ran as representative for Malabon-Navotas under the Partido ng Bayan, in which he end defeated by Teresita Aquino-Oreta. His militancy and charisma, although it had brought support from the people, also got the ire of the right-wing elements, that eventually cost his life, in the age of 27 during the destabilization plots against the Aquino regime in 1987. Along with Olalia, as well as nameless others who had been known for opposing the growing militarism and right-wing fanaticism of the post-Marcos era.
And still, his case remained unresolved for decades. People still continue calling for justice for the long list of militants and innocents killed during and after the Marcos period. And with Gary Granada who had afford to make a musical out of Lean Alejandro, and this time re-created by Manga and Ramirez, the militant spirit lives on, this time groovier than ever.
Lean the musical will run on September 14, 16, 21 (3pm and 7pm), and September 13 and 20 (7pm only) at the Aldaba Hall, University Theatre in UP Diliman. Tickets are available at P250 for non-UP students and P200 for UP students.
For ticket inquiries, please contact Jenica Bacud at 09163210485.