The Cultural Center of the Philippines and The Citizens for Promoting Human Rights, Inc. (CFHR) in partnership with Mae Paner presented Tao Po, a four-part monologue interactive performance that gives a human face to the issue of extra-judicial killings.
Tao Po was a one-night show staged on Aug. 31 at the CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute.
In Tao Po, award-winning actress and activist Mae Paner Aka Juana Change, takes on the different personas of a photojournalist transformed by the brutality she witnesses while covering the tokhang beat; a Zumba instructor haunted by her husband and son, both victims of summary killings; a cop who lives the double life of law enforcer and lawless hitman and a young girl lighting candles in the Tokhang Wall of a Manila cemetery as she reminisces about acquaintances and loved ones, EJK (extrajudicial killing) victims all.
Tao Po is based on immersion trips and in-depth interviews conducted by Paner and playwright Maynard Manansala. It asks the hard question: Is there humanity left within us? The production is intended to raise public awareness to enlighten and encourage them to exercise their civic duties for human rights.
Tao Po was born at the CCP’s celebration of Human Rights Month in September 2017. It paved the way for performances at other venues in and out of Metro Manila, including an international performance at the Melbourne Fringe Theater Festival and at Canberra in Australia where it earned raves and captured media interest.
Tao Po is a product of the team effort that also includes Ed Lacson, director, Rody Vera, dramaturg, and Moira Lang, Creatives. The Tao Po team contributes part of the proceeds of every production to the survivors of EJKs.