PNU adapts Severino Montanos The Love of Leonor Rivera in September

MANILA The PNU Faculty of Arts and Languages (FAL), as part of the Universitys
week-long celebration of its 114 th Foundation, will stage Severino Montanos The
Love of Leonor Rivera in September. It is a three-act play about Leonor Riveras
undying love for the countrys National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and how she persistently
waited for Rizal to come back from Europe. It was first staged at the Arena Theater
of PNU in 1952.
Severino Montano: His Humble Share of Curtain Calls
Montano, who hailed from up north, was a playwright, director, actor, and theater
organizer during his lifetime. He obtained his Bachelor of Education degree from the
University of the Philippines in 1932 and Masters Degree in Fine Arts from Yale
University in 1942. Subsequently, he obtained his Masters Degree in Economics
and Doctorate Degree in Philosophy in Private and Public Administration from
American University in Washington D.C. in 1948 and 1949, respectively.
Upon honing his skills abroad, Montano went back to the country to share his talents
and expertise with aspiring Filipino writers, directors, and actors.
During his reign as the Dean of Instruction at the Philippine Normal College (now
Philippine Normal University), he organized the Arena Theater with the aim of
bringing drama to the masses.
His effective attempt in inspiring Filipino playwrights, directors, and actors led to the
discovery of several successful personalities of today, among whom are Behn
Cervantes, Emmanuel Borlaza, Rolando S. Tinio, and Joonee Gamboa.
PNUs adaptation of The Love of Leonor Rivera will be staged on September 4,
2015 at 1:00pm for the matinee and 4:00pm for the gala performance.