Status Updates From Tropical Baroque: Four Mani...

The fourth play, "The Beatas" was amazing! It started off slowly, but the motif of the hermanas acting as faithful soldiers to the cause and trudging along together even when it meant going against patriarchal society.... it was amazing. It lost me in some parts because I'm not religious, but I still appreciated what it was trying to say

The third play, "Fathers and Sons", explores the idea of the cycles of abuse and violence between family generations in an interesting and visceral way. Pain only emerges from pain inflicted, and forgiveness is a merciful salve that is elusive to those who have been hurt before. My favorite of all plays so far!

The first play, "A Portrait of the Artist" is a good commentary on the family structure of the Philippines and the pressure for women to uphold their role as caretaker, daughter, and wife. No wonder the script has been used time and time again for adaptations LOL

I liked the second play "Tatarin" more than the former because it felt more visceral and painful and I do love a painful, uncomfortable reading experience

I finished the next two short stories and one only remains. I knew reading will come easy if I just let the old spark speak, instead of planning.

Tatarin was sensual. The rituals reminded me of the crazed that got into the heads of the stranded kids in Lord of the Flies. Men proclaiming slaves under their adoration of women.

I wonder at the Fathers and Sons. Could there really be that kind of family in the 1900s

Finished The Portrait of the Artist As A Filipino: 09/08/24

I want to go there, at Intramuros, and see the Old Manila for myself. The one that is buried in the memories and remembered in the songs of Bitoy. When they talked about the portrait being their punishment, I immediately thought of The Picture of Oscar Wilde. But I'm glad that the author released them from their bondage.

I wish you salvation, Tony Javier.

I am definitely enjoying this Tatarin play and bagay na bagay sa kabaliwang hatid ng tag-init!!!