CCP mourns passing of artist Tony Perez

MANILA, Philippines — Tony Perez (Antonio Benjamin Silva Perez), an exceptional playwright, screenwriter, poet, fictionist, visual artist, teacher, psychic trainer, and mage, passed away on May 20, the Cultural Center of the Philippines announced on Wednesday. He was 74.

Antonio Benjamin Silva Perez PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/CCP

Antonio Benjamin Silva Perez PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/CCP

Born in 1951 in San Fernando, Pampanga, Perez is best remembered for his psychologically rich and socially resonant plays such as "Bombita," "Sa North Diversion Road," "Biyaheng Timog," and "Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?"

As a prolific artist, his body of work extended beyond theater. He wrote award-winning scripts for television and film, authored visionary books like "Cubao 1980" and the "Sitio Catacutan" series, and mentored generations of artists, therapists, and psychic sensitives. He was a staunch advocate of psychological realism in drama and was among the rare few whose creative practice also embraced spiritual exploration.

A recipient of numerous accolades, including the CCP Thirteen Artists Award (1974), CCP Centennial Honors for the Arts (1999), and National Book Awards for both drama and short fiction, Tony was a guiding light in Philippine letters and theater. He served in the US Embassy's cultural affairs office from 1979, further enriching Philippine-American cultural exchange, and his works were frequently staged at the CCP through Tanghalang Pilipino and other institutions.

"The CCP extends its deepest condolences to Tony Perez's family, friends, collaborators, students, and the many communities he touched through his profound art and spirit. His creative genius and metaphysical vision have left an indelible imprint on our cultural soul. We honor his memory and celebrate a life lived fully in the service of the arts," CCP said in a statement.