Ang Pag-uusig : A Verdict

As a part of the school’s educational trip, junior Marians were able to witness a one-of-a-kind theatrical
production in Tanghalang Huseng Batute at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Ang Pag-uusig is the Filipino
translation of the classic 1953 play “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. It was 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. A girl named
Abigail Williams (Antonette Go) and her company of suggestible girls (Eunice Pacia as Mercy Lewis, Monique Nellas as
Susana Walcott and Blanche Buhia as Betty Parris) accused several townsfolk, in particular Mrs. Elizabeth Proctor
(Doray Dayao), of being witches. It turned out that this was a personal vendetta against Mrs. Proctor who fired Abigail
from being their maid because of her loose morals.
John Proctor fought for his wife’s innocence by convincing their new maid Mary Warren to testify in her favor.
However, in front of the Deputy Governor Danforth and Judge Hathorne in the courthouse, Abigail and her friends
resume their false demonic possession act to turn the judges against Mary Warren and the Proctors.
Set in a stage of wall made of dark-colored wooden panels, from Parris residence to the Proctor residence to
the Salem courthouse, the design was simple yet very natural and convincing.
The Filipino translation done by Ateneo Philippine Literature and Theater professor Jerry Respeto is easy to
understand and totally compelling. There were surprising words that added tension and fury in its scenes.
The cast is composed of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company. The characters were really convincing and
natural to their respective roles. Though it is quite confusing to watch some of the characters playing two roles like
Doray Dayao who both played Elizabeth Proctor and the slave Tituba as well as Lhorvie Nuevo who both acted as Mary
Warren and the old Rebecca Nurse. Still a round of applause for a great cast and the director Dennis Marasigan.
The play would surely make you feel involved and moved with the scenes. The emotions were present and
would embody the spectators on their own seats. It’s true that you couldn’t deny the presence of political allegories in
the scenes and how they represent the current situation in the country. Truly commendable!