FEU Theater Guild stages Filipino reimagining of ‘Mother Sauvage’ in ‘MORYON’

The Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) continues its 93rd season with “MORYON,” a Filipino reimagining of Guy de Maupassant’s “Mother Sauvage” that examines faith, grief, justice, and survival during the Japanese Occupation of Marinduque.

Written and directed by Dudz Teraña, the play is set on Holy Thursday in Mogpog, Marinduque, where the Moriones tradition unfolds alongside the struggles of a community living under wartime occupation.

At the center of the story is Caridad, a mother waiting for her son Joaquin, a young guerrilla determined to prove his worth despite being underestimated by those around him.

When the violence of war reaches her doorstep, Caridad is forced to confront a decision that tests the limits of her faith, sense of justice, and love for her child.

Maria Ysabel R. delos Reyes portrays Caridad, while Mark Dave C. Bambang takes on the role of Esteban as the play’s lead characters navigate the consequences of grief and conflict.

The Marinduqueño ensemble features Janae Maxiel C. Dionisio as Lor, Shawn Christopher P. Tarala as Francisco, Julian Rafael R. Anabo as Nesting, Margarita Viktoria M. Barrameda as Marta, John Andrei S. Cruz as Tikre, Aldin Dave V. Covarrubias as Joaquin, Edrud Adriyel T. Madalan as Batang Joaquin, Marjorie E. Uson as Ineng, Arvin Jade Javier as Artemyo, and Ashley Kate C. Zamora as Socorro.

The Japanese soldiers are portrayed by Kirstan Erin Wayne Orbegoso as Tanaka, Samuel Josh T. Siasoyco as Ishii, John Gabriele R. Lazaro as Sato, and Kevin Acheles Q. Ricaforte as Nakamura.

Melenne Andrea L. Hokase plays Japmam, while Cane-Jharelle Villalobos portrays the Japanese Official, with Kristian Mark A. Samson and Cris Jay B. Cabides appearing as Japanese Extras and Charlene F. Libo-on as a Marinduque Extra.

Beyond its historical setting, “MORYON” explores the tension between personal suffering and collective beliefs as the people of Mogpog struggle to understand where faith and justice belong in a time of violence.

The production also raises questions about the consequences of grief, the limits of survival, and the point at which a person’s actions begin to challenge their deepest convictions.

For the FEU Theater Guild, the play serves not only as a theatrical production but also as an educational undertaking that allows student artists to study the Japanese Occupation, the Moriones tradition, and the Filipino communities shaped by war.

“MORYON” will continue its run at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio on October 8–29, followed by performances on November 5–28.

Tickets are priced at ₱150 for FEU students, faculty, staff, and FEU or FTG alumni with an Alumni ID; ₱250 for non-FEU students with a valid ID; ₱500 for FTG alumni without an Alumni ID, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens; and ₱700 for the general public.

Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 to 60 minutes before the performance to join a free guided walk around FEU’s Art Deco campus, which has been recognized by UNESCO and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for its cultural and architectural significance.