Rolando S.

Tinio

A life in the
Slums
Rolando S. Tinio

Rolando Tinio is a Rolando S. Tinio, playwright, He is often described as a

Philippine National thespian, poet, teacher, critic, religious, well-behaved
Artist for Theater and and translator marked his and gifted person.
Literature. He was born career with prolific artistic
in Gagalangin, Tondo, productions.
Manila on March 5, 1937.
A Life in the Slums
Characters
Millie - Protagonist

Annie - Millie’s Sister

Henny - Husband of Millie

Roger - Millie’s Ex Lover

Overview
The story revolves around the lives of several characters
living in a densely populated and economically
disadvantaged urban neighborhood, commonly referred
to as the slums. The setting is vividly depicted, capturing
the gritty realities of overcrowded living spaces,
inadequate infrastructure, and the daily struggles of
survival
.
At the heart of the narrative is a protagonist, perhaps a
young adult or a parent trying to provide for their family.
This central character navigates through the challenges
of poverty, facing issues such as lack of access to
education, healthcare, and decent employment
opportunities. Despite these obstacles, the protagonist
exhibits resilience, determination, and a strong sense of
community.
Summary
One afternoon, Millie gets a surprise visit from her sister
Annie, in the squatters' area where she resides. The two
share pleasantries and discuss the many happenings in
their respective lives. Millie reveals the wonders of being
part of the "real world," in the slums, with her truck driver
husband Henny, and children. For Millie, despite the
squalor, stench, confusion, fistfights, rumormongers, and
the people's search for their daily existence, being in the
slums is her version of "heaven on earth."
Summary
Annie, on the other hand, laments the sorry state of her
affluence. She feels "filthy" because of the many
transgressions of the people surrounding her--their
mother's accidental death due to gluttony, their father's
extra-marital affairs, her marriage on the rocks with
Roger who happens to be Millie's former lover and her
incapacity to become a mother.

In the end, the two sisters agree to reverse their roles, both
hoping that they will discover true happiness in their
newly acquired neighborhood and personas.
Approaches
Marxist
Thank You for Listening!