THE recent staging of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, Les Miserablés, by St. Mary’s School has received widespread acclaim for its relevance and high-quality performance.
On May 20 and 21, the Rodelsa Hall of Liceo de Cagayan University was filled with spectators who were captivated by the powerful and emotional story of Jean Valjean and his pursuit of redemption.
The production was applauded for its meticulous attention to detail and the outstanding performances of the cast.
The actors were able to convey the complex emotions of the characters and bring them to life on stage.
The use of elaborate sets and costumes added to the overall grandeur of the production, creating a truly immersive experience for the audience.
Moreover, the themes and messages of the play were deemed highly relevant to the current social and political climate.
The story’s emphasis on the struggle for social justice and the fight against oppression resonated with many, making the production all the more meaningful.
Overall, St. Mary’s School’s production of Les Miserablés was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of its cast and crew.
It was a testament to the power of theater to inspire and move its audience, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
Roland Rivera’s direction of Tim Kelly’s non-musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece was a magnificent display of young talent.
The play’s opening scene portrays the all-too-common experience of injustice, as Jean Valjean, one of the central characters, strives to reintegrate into society after serving 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his hungry family.
Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the play vividly depicted the fall of the monarchy and the rise of the republican state, as well as the sharp class divide between the impoverished working masses and the aristocracy.
The young actors who brought this powerful story to life on stage were splendid, and their performance was a source of great pride.
During the French Revolution, the class divide between the poor and the aristocrats was stark. The Thenandiers parodied the wretched lifestyle of the common people.
Fantine, a single mother, left her child with the Thenandiers. Marius and his comrades led the barricade, representing the awakening of the aristocrats to the exploitation of the toiling masses. This uprising led to change and transformation.
The drama in Les Miserablés reaches its climax with the contrasting lives of Cosette and Eponine. Cosette ends up with Marius, a union blessed by Valjean shortly before his death.
Eponine, driven by her idealism and despair at the barricades, brings down Marius’s love.
Watching the play is like witnessing real-life social commentary with relatable stories, conflicts, struggles, and drama.
However, while the concept of the republic offered a silver lining during the French Revolution, it is now being challenged.
Free elections, freedom of speech, and other rights stemming from republicanism face serious threats. The pillars of self-rule and state liberties are at stake.
According to Director Rivera, the message of Les Miserablés remains timeless, speaking to society as a whole and highlighting the same conflicts and struggles between those in power and the powerless.
Against this backdrop, St. Mary’s School staged the play, drawing attention to the real community where young people are facing despair, rising suicide rates, and families struggling with high inflation. Despite widespread contempt for those in power, voters continue to elect the same leaders they criticize.
It is heartening to see academic institutions like St. Mary’s School prioritize the arts and literature over crass commercialism and TikTok.
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