Capping the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s 47th season is Arbol de Fuego, Rody Vera and Loy Arcenas’ reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s classic Cherry Orchard. After three successful Rak of Aegis runs, and original Filipino production, FnL, PETA simmers down from the fitful comedy-musical first half of the season with a grounding of a world classic this February 2015.
Arbol de Fuego is a tragicomedy about middle-aged matriarch Enriquetta Jardeleza-Sofronio, played by veteran actress Cherie Gil, who comes home after having squandered the family fortune on a long stay in Madrid. Buried in debt, she and younger brother Adjie (essayed by Jake Macapagal) is advised to sell the estate to avoid bankruptcy, but refuses, insisting on keeping their ancestral house and the flourishing rows of fire trees that frame the estate. The Jardelezas instead, throw party after lavish party, reminiscing their opulent past in an effort to forget their depleting wealth.
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