Of remembering and reliving:
reflections after watching Lean the Musical
Well, at first, this writer had to give thanks to those who had keep the Lean spirit alive. That, through the second time around of playing one of Gary Granada's works would say that there's a chance of fulfilling the struggle-especially in this continuing past people had tend to struggle with.
This writer somehow found quite noticing that most people tend to disregard activism as a spearhead of change-that, as depicted in some scenes played at Lean the Musical, radical activism been depicted as noisy, fight-thirsty mob willing to confront the police aside from venting messages too common in the ears of the people.
But with certain intellectuals like Lean Alejandro, or even earlier ones like Joma Sison or Antonio Zumel, would say that there are some used terms that, although at first came clean, still carries the stigma of militancy that is, acceptable in the ears and minds of the common people. Activists? Perhaps one dare to call them as civil society, so are the use of english for some time in making statements that captures as well the idea of a middle-class intellectual working in Makati. The result? Solidarity, if not support such as what happened in Edsa II or at the Ayala mob duringt he days of the Arroyo administration. Not to mention about the confetti that came from the windows of every office building as a sign of support for those whom the system deemed as subversives and hence, part of the order of battle such as what Alejandro, Olalia, and others written and cost their lives.
And as this writer continue watching, would say that yes, there may be technical problems such as walking while singing not in front of the microphone, a bit unpolished movements and one of the characters abit confused in singing. Mr. Katsch Catoy, in a discussion with yours truly, even said that 40% of the event carried such problem being stated in this part; yet still the essence of the play is as somehow good enough to recapture what this writer used to listen into their songs, originally sung by Chicoy Pura, Dayang Barrios, Cookie Chua and Noel Cabangon.
Also according to Catoy that the original rock musical was somehow influenced by Jesus Christ Superstar as it used modern theme such as in music, or perhaps mr. Granada had to utilize, after his research about Lean Alejandro's life includes the culture of the Marcos and Aquino administration such as those of tucked-ins, rock music, and others that made the musical militant but groovy.
Quite strange for others, especially first timers in watching that said musical with its pop-culture inspired music, but the musical provides something that not all militants, although carried the right line has no right to be creative such as what the late Alejandro made. That one person, although afford to read the classics, also has to create something that is applicable for the times same as advancing the struggles of the people in a society where agriculture is predominant, corruption and oppression as prevalent, as well as inequitable distribution of wealth and not enough closure of gaps between rich and poor.
Not to mention that they do have personal lives such as love and relationships, just like how Lean fell in love with Lidy Nacpil (with the song "Panata't Pagibig" and "Kasal"), whom became his wife and mother of their only daughter, Ruslan. The scene where they tried to balance personal lives and those of politics, in which Lean, then running as a representative of Malabon-Navotas had to bid farewell from his wife that also acted as his campaign manager! ("Kadre de Pamilya" as what being said) Quite comical, but true especially for a person whose cause became rooted into their lives.
And yes, not to mention that there may be others who continue giving stupid statements against activists, of those who add certain personalities in the order of battle, but where are they when the clarion calls for an action against a repressive system?
Perhaps, they chose to remain deaf, apathetic, not to mention that they still consider activism as hindrance to progress and stumbling block to traffic; and if some afford to "make a joyride out fo the issue" as if acting too cautiously in their moves like opposing a certain issue but not the system who had made that issue happen such as Napoles and the pork barrel scandal in which most people care to chant against the issue, the senators, even Aquino himself, but how about the system that made these happen? Few dare, aside from the militants who consistently attack in the name of national liberation and a people's democracy. The events at EDSA and the confettis showered in Makati's buildings somehow provided examples, but how about the issue on land and social justice like what happened in Mendiola? That people had to march in Mendiola (that had led to a massacre) after seeing disaffection with a president with empty-handed promises (especially those of resistributing land) as somehow one example of these.
That somehow made Lean said:
"It is in Mendiola where their promises been buried."
That until today been doing so.
Anyways, Personally, this writer may somehow still cling to the Granada original with its guitar and drums being played, a rock musical so to speak; although also find it appreciative to hear Karl Ramirez's redinition that includes techno. Quite modern though so to say, yet still carries the same spirit as the Philippines can't move on from its continuing past such as repressive order and its effect. It was back in highschool when this writer had listened to the songs based on that musical, then downloaded at Garygranada.com (now downed), and nowadays somehow both honour and pleasure to watch the play itself that is being done at Aldaba hall, University theatre, UP Diliman.
Again, Cheers and continue the struggle for justice, relive the Lean spirit!
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.
And for the Lean Alejandro CD (the Gary Granada original), are sold at UP Shopping center and other "books for less" outlets.