In the 70s, the school play tour program was a strategy of MTTL to develop new works from among the ranks of the young artists. Outputs from teen theater summer workshops were toured by the youth of MTTL to various schools to encourage the participation of their respective drama clubs in the MTTL network. Among the plays created by MTTL were Kasi Babae Raw and Juanang Tamad (1975-1976); Bulung-bulungan and Sa Tingin Namin (1976); Kwentuhan Tatlo, Salaming Nahihibang and Ang Epiko ng Punong Sinilya (1977); and Sampung mga Daliri (1978).
By the 1979, the young people of MTTL started collaborating with members of PETA Kalinangan Ensemble. Tackling various social issues and exploring different theater forms, the partnership produced memorable plays such as Konstabahan sa Tirarang (1979); Yes Ma’am (1981); Samperang Muta (1982); Hoy Bata Wag Dyan! (1983); Pitik Mulat (1984); Ang Lalaki Nga Naman (1985); and Monopolyo ni Su (1986).
The collaboration between KE and MTTL was continued in the 90s, producing educational plays such as Ambon ng Kristal and June at Johnny (1993-1995); Don Guillermo (1996); Ang Arkero at si Rizal (1997); and Summer Dreamin’ (1998-2000).
In the next millennium, MTTL carried its mission of pursuing artistic excellence in the repertory program with the young people by exploring new and innovative ways in creating unique forms of expressions. In 2004, MTTL core group members mounted a gender-probing piece in Toilet Bowl. It showcased monologues and dialogues exploring themes on gender and adolescent sexuality. The effectiveness of the play in stimulating the interest of young audiences prompted the Health Action Information Network (HAIN) to produce a video version of the play. The video presentation aided the organization in its advocacy training on promoting gender equality, sexual and reproductive health.
With the support of KE and Women’s Theater Program, MTTL mounted a musical play entitled ASL…Pls! in 2005. Written by Liza Magtoto and directed by Phil Noble, with musical direction by Vince De Jesus, the play combined pop music, multi-media, modern dance, light comedy and live band performance. The integration of these key elements transformed the discourse on gender and sexuality into a very entertaining and engaging experience for many young audiences.
By 2006, MTTL core group members collaborated with Chris Millado in a workshop and explored the story of Miguel Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Guided by scenarios and an improvisational technique known as Viewpoints, the group created a play and adapted it into Filipino. Aptly dubbed as Don_Q, the devised work took centerstage at PETA Theater Center. The play depicted how a child deals with emotional hardships in the absence of his parents, who are both overseas migrant workers. The production examined the effects of internet technology to the lives of many children, where online gaming is an essential part of their daily routine. Improvisational in nature, the play encouraged active participation among the audience. The nontext-based and the role-playing-game element of the play made it popular with the young audiences. In February 2008, MTTL performed the play in several universities in Hong Kong.
Recognizing the importance of a sustained artistic practice of young people, MTTL’s latest production revived Malou Jacob’s Juan Tamban. A product of a summer theater arts workshop in 2007, the youth of MTTL fused mime movements, ensemble acting, and moving music to create a new interpretation of the play. The production was the official entry of MTTL to the Dula-daluyan Festival in December 2007.
The linkage of PETA with International Drama/Theater and Association (IDEA) gave the young artists of MTTL to participate in the Young IDEA interaction workshop during the 4th World Congress in Bergen, Norway in 2001. Participating youth organizations were asked to present a children’s situationer in their respective countries, which would promote dialogue and discernment among the young participants. MTTL brought the dance drama entitled Strong Boy, Deaf Boy, Gild in an Abaya. Dance scenario written by Nicolas Pichay, with choreography/direction by Dudz Teraña, the dance piece focused on the plight of Filipino children who pursue their dreams amid poverty and abuses. Using dance-theater, pangalay movement, and multi-media technology, the performance was highly lauded by the organizers and international audiences.
The outstanding performance of Strong Boy, Deaf Boy, and Gilr in an Abaya led to other invitations from members of the IDEA network. In January 2003, MTTL performed the dance piece during the 3rd Athens International Theater and Education held in Athens, Greece. In April 2003, the group toured the production in the Netherlands and Montpellier, France. The performance had an excellent newspaper review during the Polyscènes Exchange in Montpellier.
Running for 45 minutes, the TIE playlet is intended for classroom presentation. It combines drama techniques with participatory and evocative pedagogical tools to draw out critical views and opinions from audience. It is a powerful and creative tool for issue advocacy that uses a combination of art forms. It stimulates the audience to be sensitive and critical in analyzing specific problems confronting them in a manner that is informative, artistic and creative. In a subtle way, the performance reduces the psychological barriers to communication.
The performance is followed by a workshop-sharing (debriefing session) where the audience is given a chance to process their thoughts, feelings and insights on the issues raised in the informance. TIE playlets tackle issues on the environment, voter’s education and theater ethics.