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Tuesday, 16 October 2007
 Romulus D’ Grayt - A Historical Swiss-Filipino Tie-up

In today’s modern world, war comes in numerous shapes and sizes, in various faces and names. War is waged among nations on political and economic disputes. There is a fight against terrorism, a battle versus corruption, a crusade to counter injustices, a campaign to alleviate or eradicate poverty, an advocacy to address illiteracy. The list goes on but these struggles are not solely confined to individual initiatives or any single society. They also take credence from united forces as well. Take the Swiss-Filipino collaboration in Romulus D’ Grayt for example.


Romulus D’ Grayt opened on September 14 and will run until October 28 as the second offering for the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s 40th season at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. The play is an “unhistorical historical comedy” that zooms in on the reign of Romulus, the last emperor of Rome, who opted to be a domestic chicken breeder than to act against the peril of a Germanic invasion of his empire.

First staged in 2005 as commissioned by the Embassy of Switzerland in Manila with the Honorable Lise Favre, Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines at the time, saying,

“the idea to promote the adaptation of Romulus the Great came naturally in discussions with PETA people. After reading the play, they were thrilled by its universal relevance and the project slowly took shape.”


Adapted in Filipino by Jerry Respeto from Romulus the Great of Swiss author and dramatist Friedrich Dürrenmatt, “the comedy is about an emperor who himself corrupts power, who gives up an empire that only more wars could hold together because he gives more importance to people than to power,” explains Mrs. Charlotte Kerr-Dürrenmatt, actress-spouse of Friedrich.

The Swiss dramatist took some liberties in describing a historical story yet did not seek historical accuracy. Hence, the play’s subheading: “Ungeschichtliche historische Komödie” (Unhistorical historical comedy). Dürrenmatt took a character from history and tweaked his story as a platform to focus on the consequences of war and the ruthless use of power.”

“A Romulus might not be possible in the scramble for power and ideology struggles of the real world,” explains Mrs. Dürrenmatt. “However, we wish the powerful of the world some of his philosophical wisdom, tolerance and humour,” she points out.

With the support of a number of Swiss companies, the play enjoyed a rib-tickling success in 2005. “Due to continued demand for repeat performances, the play is again to be lovingly restaged by PETA in the country’s native language,” exclaims Peter Sutter, the incumbent Swiss ambassador to Manila. “I am most glad that the Swiss government as well as the sponsors are lending their support for the restaging of Dürrenmatt’s renowned piece and I look forward to enjoying the performances of PETA’s talented Filipino actors. Mabuhay to all who make this possible.”

Mrs. Dürrenmatt expresses that “a Romulus would be needed now more than ever for our world in turmoil. Thank you for bringing him back on stage for 36 more performances.” Romulus D’Grayt is presented in association with the Embassy of Switzerland in Manila and Mme. Charlotte Kerr-Dürrenmatt and with the support of media partner Manila Bulletin.

The play will be open till October 28, 2007 with shows at 2:30pm and 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 10am and 3pm on Sundays. Schedules, however, are subject to change without prior notice. For inquiries, call the PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 410-0821, 7256244, 0917-8154567, 0918-9354166 or email mpr@petatheater.com or petampro@yahoo.com. Visit our website at www.petatheater.com.


By Rb A. Andres

PETA SEA Group
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