Kanser has gone through numerous revisions in staging.

From its shows at the Bulwagang Gantimpala, an intimate theater presentation to the proscenium production of the CCP Main Theater and the Met Theater plus all the other venues in the country, a change of hands in the person of actors and production people, Kanser gave the numerous talented people the opportunity to be a part of a classic play. Seasoned directors have also given their share of interpreting the play – Tony Espejo, Jake de Asis, Roobak Valle, Adriana Agcaoili, Mia Gutierrez, Frannie Zamora, and Jun Flavier Pablo. The present production is now a tighter version of original Kanser, The Musical (produced last 2015) that was presented during its 35the year anniversary.

Director Frannie Zamora has skillfully infused about 10 songs from the musical into the straight play – a welcome revision that has delighted the viewers. But what charm does the production of Kanser have that captivated hundreds of thousands of students and theater aficionados through the years? Maybe it is the story. A love story weaved by Rizal with a dash of patriotism, idealism, deceit and uncanny revelations. Could it be the staging of the play where actors are garbed in almost authentic costumes that complement the language and mannerisms of the period. Or maybe the relevance of the incidents that still mirrors the present times. All these and more is what Kanser has now been regarded as indeed a classic production.