dramafest 2018 - insights and stories

I would like to count myself as somebody privileged when it comes to watching plays made by our seminarians.  I have been here long enough to see not just one or two plays made by a particular class but several, through the years.  And I always get excited believing that if they could do it like this, what would it be like 2 years from now.  It makes one look forward not that I’m planning to stay here forever, but you sense the growth in the depth of insight; one can feel the ever-widening creativity as they feel their way around, daring themselves to take the risk and the plunge; and one also sense the beauty in which they weave the story.  It does not happen all at once, but as they grow through the years they learn, as they are exposed they gain experience, as they age they become confident and spontaneous.

It has been repeated time and again during these past two days that this is not just about learning the ropes in play making and staging and acting.  In the seminary we go beyond these, believing that the shows are not ends in themselves but a way of deepening brotherhood, forging relationships, and developing real and lasting friendships.

Writing their own plays we would like them to be more insightful and we have seen a lot this year from the simple but powerful triumph of good over evil fairy tale which emphasizes the role of rules and values in our lives, to a very real psycho thriller which explores our other half borne in part by family upbringing and childhood experiences.  The same field was also explored this afternoon but this time bordering on the more satirical and hilarious way of communicating the same values.  There was also that beautiful attempt to impart the importance of philosophy in politics in contrast to the prevailing political circus that is too dependent on popularity and catchy slogans but crass in its argumentation.  The acceptance of one’s uniqueness which is so important for growth into adulthood and for growth in community life was also explored in another play.  And another play allowed us to take a peek into our unresolved past that continues to haunt us, and sometimes overtake us.  And finally the importance of friendships, real friendships that should be developed and valued.

Two things are being formed here – first is the capacity for a deeper insight into things, persons and events, (And I say we have so many beautiful insights this year) nga indi kita magpabilin nga hapaw.  Insight is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in us.  This is important not just for a seminarian= but for every Christian.  

And secondly, this drama fest is developing also in us how to communicate clearly and creatively and even subtly these insights.  And this is something all seminarians, would be priests in the future must develop keenly.  Our number one task as priests may be preaching but it is also the least among communication methods.  The number one is storytelling.  (just what you did these past two days - wonderful stories) Communicating well is our main task and exploring various ways will be helpful for us someday to get the message across.