March 5, 2025, Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes – More than fifty young people, either as cast or crew, took part in a Basic Theater and Acting Workshop last March 1 in preparation for the staging of the Passion of Jesus. The Passion play, commonly called Senakulo in the Philippines, is a theatrical rendition of Jesus’ passion and death during the days of the Holy Week in many parishes. The play has not only artistic but also catechetical value for the faithful. For young people, it is a creative avenue.
The workshop introduced to the participants the creative and technical aspects of theater. The participants took part in acting and improvisation exercises. Team work, collaboration and sensitivity were highlighted in the training which reflects the collaborative aspect of theater.
This experience also empowers young people to lead and to put into action their technical skills in lighting, sounds, and set design. As part of the effort to train new talents in theater, three were taken as assistant directors with Ms. Annie Vic Cabije as main director. Ms. Cabije, herself a product of the Salesian youth center, grew up with theater culture in the Salesian houses.
The Senakulo is not only a production, but also a ministry of telling the story of Jesus from the eyes and imagination of young people. This production continues the legacy of St. John Bosco who incorporated performing arts to his educative system.
