Photos: Floy Quintos' COLLECTION by Dulaang UP

By Precious Lee Cundangan

Manila, Philippines, February 21, 2013 -- Being the educational theater organization of the University of the Philippines, Dulaang UP (DUP) encourages non-commercial works. "Collection," an original Filipino play, written by multi-awarded playwright Floy Quintos ("Shock Value," "Ang BAGONG HARANA") and directed by avant garde director Dexter Santos ("Rizal X", "Orosman at Zafira") is DUP's final offering for its 37th season. The production runs until Sunday, March 3 at Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, University of the Philippines.

"History is the new handbag!" goes one of the lines in the play. In a world where everyone is obsessed with "what's new" and "what to buy next," "Collection" challenges our values, motives, and way of life. It is about what people are willing to do for fame and money. It is about a world where auctions are the new form of entertainment; and people bid with extreme absurdity -- even National Treasures are sold to the highest bidder.

"Collection," which was inspired by Salman Rushdie's "At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers" and Nick Joaquin's "Cave and Shadows," intends to be a theatrical meditation on a society where everyone is equal and right, which is wonderful -- but where does it take us?

Photos by Vlad Gonzales

Dulaang UP presents the world premiere of Floy Quintos's COLLECTION

Dulaang UP presents the world premiere of Floy Quintos's COLLECTION

Dulaang UP presents the world premiere of Floy Quintos's COLLECTION

Dulaang UP presents the world premiere of Floy Quintos's COLLECTION