Isang Dosenang Sapatos started with a “what if” story that children’s book author Dr. Luis Gatmaitan thought of when he met a patient who was physically challenged, having only one leg.
“May patient ako na may disability, putol ‘yung isang paa. I thought – what if the father of the child is a shoemaker? In reality, the father was a government employer,” shared Tito Doc as the author was fondly called.
He further explored the thought and imagined that being a shoemaker, the father would want to create shoes for his child but what if the child has no feet at all.
“Paano niya i-imagine ang lumalaking sukat ng paa nung kanyang anak?” Gatmaitan contemplated.
And so Isang Dosenang Sapatos was conceived. The story revolves around a father who wants a ballerina for a daughter but his child has no feet.
“I want to put the spotlight on children with disabilities. Most of the time, they were just on the margins. For once, sila ang nasa center. Anumang forms of disabilities, whether it’s physical learning, or emotional, maraming klase ng disabilities, and Susie (the main character) embodies all these different forms of disabilities,” shared Gatmaitan.
With its heart-warming story and endearing characters, the Palanca-award-winning storybook has been adapted to different plays, including that of Tanghalang Pilipino.
On November 17, the Tanghalang Pilipino premieres a re-staging of Sandosenang Sapatos.
TP first staged the musical in 2013, directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio. The story was adapted for the stage by Palanca awardee Layeta Bucoy, and the music is by Jed Balsamo and Noel Cabangon.
TP artistic director Fernando “Tata Nanding” Josef decided to adapt the story into a play after reading a copy of the children’s book at the CCP Library. He was touched by the story, as he is from Marikina and his parents were into shoemaking.
The musical is different from the original source in that it is told from the point of view of Susie, the main character, rather than her sister Karina. Layeta Bucoy felt that there was more to Susie’s story than meets the eye, and she wanted to explore her struggles as a child growing up without feet.
Doc Luis Gatmaitan, the author of the children’s book, admitted that he did not explore Susie’s character in his book and did not share her struggles. He is happy to see the different interpretations of his story, and he is glad that the characters are coming to life on stage.
Another difference is the Diwata ng Sapatos. In the storybook, it was just mentioned by Karina. But in the play, it became three-dimensional.
“Shoes were personified in the musical. Sa story, they were just shoes displayed on their boxes,” shared the author.
This holiday, catch this heart-touching story of familial love. This musical beautifully illustrates the importance of cherishing our loved ones, especially those with unique needs, and puts the spotlight on inner strengths.
“There are people who are physically disabled but emotionally whole. There are those who are whole physically, but emotionally disabled. Susie was the former. Binuo siya ng pagmamahal ng kanyang tatay, nanay, at kapatid,” concluded Gatmaitan.
Sandosenang Sapatos runs until December 3. Get your tickets at TicketWorld.