- ‘Balag at Angud’ succeeded in telling the story of Junyee’s passion in art and determination.
- The cast did a great job portraying their roles.
- ‘Balag at Angud’ sends an important message regarding Filipino artists.
Tanghalang Pilipino opened its 32nd season with Balag at Angud, a theatrical masterpiece written by Palanca Award-winner Layeta Bucoy, and is based on the life story of protest installation artist Luis Yee, Jr., better known as Junyee.
Junyee’s earliest—and most notable—creations are mostly made of what other people would easily deem as garbage. Balag is a trellis structure made from bamboo bound firmly by ropes or strings where vines grow, while Angud is the part of the tree trunk where holes are drilled in order to haul logs from the mountains. That part with the hole is stripped or chopped, discarded, and is considered as scrap as it no longer has use and cannot be sold.
How these “useless” things from nature could be turned into art that would inspire many—only Junyee knows… and that is a story for later.
First, here’s a confession: I admit I didn’t know who Junyee was or why he’s called the country’s Father of Installation Art before I went in to watch the show. All I knew was that his life and his works have been influential and powerful enough to inspire a musical. I was almost clueless and had too many questions in mind, but I trusted that I’d be exiting the theater with clarity.
Act 1 opened with the old Junyee (played by Rody Vera) being celebrated by a crowd, and then falling off and hitting his head on the ground. The crowd and a man in white were singing “Kabaliwan”, a song telling him to give up his dream and whatever foolishness he still has his grip on. The fall eventually triggered a flashback of memories from his youth.
It was then revealed that the man in white was Junyee’s father, Luis (played by Jonathan Tadioan). It wasn’t a surprise that Luis was among those who were telling his own son to forget about his dreams during the opening part, as it has been established during the following scenes that Junyee, as a teenager (played by Paw Castillo), was strongly discouraged by his father to pursue what he wanted to do: to create art. Junyee remained positive and he continued to convince his father that his creations will one day send a message that the mountains of Agusan, his hometown, is in need of caring. Despite his enthusiasm, his father repeatedly told him that no one thinks of his creations as art and they’re just garbage. Luis was talking about this while Junyee was busy filling the lobby of the “Palace Hotel”, a motel owned by his father, with his art as decorations.
The first few scenes managed to establish that Luis wasn’t at all supportive of Junyee’s aspirations. They even argued about what course Junyee should pursue in college. Luis, of course, wanted Junyee to take up Commerce so he could help with the family business, but the young artist was determined to pursue Fine Arts—which he did… even without the support and permission from his father.
The only support he had then was from his mother, his friend Teresa (played by Zoe de los Santos), and Musa (played by Bayang Barrios).
Speaking of Musa, when she first appeared, I remember thinking “What is she? A goddess?An engkanto?” (Engkanto is the Filipino term for mythical environmental spirits) Musa was dressed in colorful tribal colors, and no one else aside from Junyee could see and talk to her. As the show continued, I finally understood that the reason why Junyee is the only one who could interact with Musa—and why she’s almost always everywhere with Junyee—is because she is his muse (the name Musa is so fitting), the one who gives him inspiration for his pieces and the one who believes in him the most.
The scene that confirmed this for me was when Junyee was about to hop on the ship to leave home and he was feeling somewhat scared and confused whether he’s doing the right thing or not. Musa suddenly appeared to remind him that it will be worth it because it was his dream. It was one of my favorite scenes.
Also, I believe it’s worth noting that Bayang Barrios plays Musa so gracefully; not to mention that her voice is enchanting.
Back to the story, after a lot of struggles and challenges he faced upon leaving home (including having to work in a funeral parlor and the passing of his father), Junyee’s passion for art eventually led him to be an apprentice of National Artist Napoleon Abueva (played by Noe Morgado) during his stay in UP Diliman. His time spent with the artist opened doors for him to freely channel his passion into student activism activities, especially during the Marcos dictatorship.
When nothing was working for Junyee and his colleagues in having students and other people to attend the rallies, that’s when he had the inspiration to create Balag, a collection of bamboo poles formed into a barricade-like structure, encouraging students to hang their messages of protest against Martial Law. It worked and helped them with the protest, and it became one of his most remarkable pieces.
Act 2 opened with old Junyee creating an installation artwork in front of the Cultural Center of the Philippines about stripped forests. It was after Typhoon Milenyo and Reming hit the country and Junyee took advantage of the tree branches that fell from trees during the onslaught of the typhoons. Junyee succeeded in creating his “Baligtad na Kabundukan” piece, but fell in despair when people stole and looted the trees for firewood.
Faced with a deadline, Junyee struggled to think of something new to present to the clients. This was the moment when Junyee noticed that Musa has stopped visiting him and he’s left with no inspiration for his next piece. Thankfully, Tess, his wife for 30 years, was by his side to reassure him that he’s not alone and that he’s going to find his inspiration again.
One day, Junyee saw villagers selling anguds—“skulls” or what’s left of trees victimized by small time logging. He bought ten thousand of them and came up with Angud: A Forest Once, in replacement for “Baligtad na Kabundukan”.
During the launch of Angud: A Forest Once, Junyee fell off the stage—this can be recalled to be the opening scene for Act 1. On the brink of death, he was visited by Luis, his father, which isn’t the first time it happened. The ghost of his father would visit him from time to time, mostly to remind him of his “bad choices” in life such as leaving home to pursue art.
This time, Luis came to fetch him. The determined artist that he’s always been, Junyee refused to go with his father as he realized that his artwork lacks one more angud.
The following scenes showed Junyee out and about again. To officially finish the Angud: A Forest Once, he let Tess do the honor of placing the last angud wherever she thinks it should be. Tess didn’t want to do it at first as it didn’t feel right, but Junyee insisted that she can do it, as she’s always been there for him through thick and thin.
In the end, Musa showed up again to congratulate Junyee for pushing through despite the different challenges he’s had to face.
Now, here’s why it was worth watching:
Balag at Angud told the story of Junyee’s determination and strength as an artist during his most difficult times—this, I believe, serves as a huge inspiration to many aspiring artists. Personally, I know a lot of budding artists who face the same struggles that Junyee faced; from hearing words of discouragement here and there, struggling financially to support their own art, finding resources, down to having people support and believe in their works. I’m sure that Junyee’s story will enlighten them more about finding courage in pursuing their passion.
Another point that Balag at Angud was able to send across is that the government should support the country’s artists. Junyee has shown how important art is in life and in standing up for what one believes in.
Also, the whole production of Balag at Angud was clearly out of each and everyone’s passion for art, not just Junyee’s. From the cast and ensemble, the songs, the costumes, the stage design, the producer, director, and writer—no one can deny that Balag at Angud is a theatrical masterpiece.
