An Appraisal of Noli Me Tangere: Huwag Mo Kaming Hawakan
- Hiraya Publication
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 16
Ella Patron
JANUARY 14, 2025
José Rizal's timeless novel, Noli Me Tangere, was adapted into a stage production by Artist Playground, which will continue to bring Rizal’s famous story to audiences today. This historical play, recommended for students from junior high school to college, offers a powerful exploration into the lives of Don Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara, Sisa, Padre Damaso, and other memorable characters.
The cast of Noli Me Tangere during the final curtain call.
Photo by Artist Playground.
The stars of the play, entitled Noli Me Tangere: Huwag Mo Kaming Hawakan, were undoubtedly the actors who breathed life into Rizal's classic tale. Their voices, akin to different melodies, captured the audience immediately. Some voices sounded smooth, echoing throughout the theater, while others had a husky and deep tone. Nevertheless, everyone was loud and clear for the audience to hear. The delivery of their lines, combined with their facial expressions, made their emotions feel realistic and raw as if the characters themselves had come out of the book.
The play effectively captured the dramatic themes of the novel, including war, sacrifice, violence, and love. The kiss scene, for example, was filled with tender feelings and was very touching. On the other hand, the characters standing up to the priests was an exciting moment since it represented their freedom. These contrasting scenes created a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience, elevating the viewer experience tenfold.
By bringing Noli Me Tangere to life on stage, this adaptation offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with the novel's powerful message of freedom. It provides a deeper understanding of the book's historical context of the Spanish rule over the Philippines in the 1800s, as well as the resulting conflicts that characters faced throughout the narrative.
Noli Me Tangere: Huwag Mo Kaming Hawakan is a must-see production that explores Filipino history and culture, elevating the experience of Rizal’s famous novel from flipping through the book’s pages to an immersive dive into the story firsthand.
