Puppet show presents passion and death of Christ 

Photo: TEATRONG MULAT NG PILIPINAS

Say "pasyon" and immediately, a slow and droning sound begins to play in people's heads. Although numerous attempts have been made to "update" the tradition, the appeal of pop songs are sadly evanescent.

What continues to charm, however, are stories—and stories told well.

In that spirit, "Papet Pasyon" moves away from gimmick and instead uses traditional puppetry to tell the story of Jesus' life, suffering, death, and resurrection.

The biblical tale was adapted for puppets in 1985 by Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, known as the Grand Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theater. She had missed a live Passion play in Oberammergau, Germany and out of frustration, she wrote her own.

Prior to that, Lapeña-Bonifacio spent years researching on theater and puppet traditions in Southeast Asia and her daughter, Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, is continuing her work.

In an interview with GMA News' News to Go, Bonifacio-Ramolete told Kara David that although generally geared towards children, "Papet Pasyon" can be enjoyed by all.

"Hindi naman ganoon kadalas ang mga puppet shows sa bansa, kahit mga adults nanonood din at nagugustuhan din nila ang kanilang pinapanuod," Bonifaco-Ramolete said.

Still, the use of puppets benefit younger spectators more.

"Hindi intimidating, hindi nakakatakot — parang mga laruan lang," she said, "Kaya lang minsan syempre may eksena—halimbawa  'yung sa demonyo, natatakot sila kasi madalim at malaki 'yung puppet."

Bonifacio-Ramolete explained that they introduce scary scenes gradually and unlike in the Senákulo, violence is omitted, "­Hindi na pinapakita ang actual na pagpapako, pinapakita na lang yung pinakamahalagang mga eksena."

Admission is free for "Papet Pasyon", which is held on Palm Sunday (March 20) at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Teatro Papet Museo (64 Mapagkawanggawa St., Teachers Village, Quezon City)