Ilustrado: Ang Buhay ni Rizal is the most magnificent play that I have watched under the production of Tanghalang Pilipino. I really liked the play. The TP did a wonderful production. The set that is colored black is ideal so as to represent the gloomiest times of Rizal's life and the Filipino society at that time. I also like their idea of setting up a trapdoor on the stage floor. Moreover, the props were simple yet appropriate. They have used the lamp in several scenes of the play so as Rizal did in his novels. The lighting direction is also good since it has shown the emotions of the play. The lighting effect is dark when the emotion being shown is sad, or if the character displays guilt. The costumes used in the play are also appropriate for it was set during the Spanish era. Moreover, the artistic (Nonon Padilla) and musical (Ryan Cayabyab) directors contributed a great deal to the astounding performance of actors and actresses. The songs composed and arranged for the play are suitable wherein most of which are classical. The blending of the voices of the chorus is well done that you may even conclude that you are hearing a live orchestra rather than plain singing voices. Likewise, I liked the play for its unique style. The play did not apply the usual style of realism wherein it is mostly used in plays depicting the life of a person. It is much more of a post-modern or maybe an epic theater. The play has used a lot of symbols wherein it makes spectators think and react. In addition, the ending of the play is a lot different from the other plays depicting the life of Rizal. It ended not with the usual execution at the Bagumbayan but it ended with people clad in black marching onto the stage while singing some chant and also holding lit-candles. The ending in this play is very solemn indeed, peaceful but gloomy. Likewise, the story line of the play gave focus on Rizal's three crises that were not heavily emphasized on other plays.

The play is ought to be realistic since it depicts the life of Rizal. Others may perceive it as not realistic if they were to consider only the presentation itself. People may conclude that way considering the parts wherein Doña Victorina clad in gown and with an oversized book of Noli Me Tangere, Erap suddenly appearing, Rizal shooting Simoun with a hand gun, and Rizal talking to the ghost of Don Leoncio. These are just illusions conjured that symbolize something which makes it unique from the other plays about the life of Rizal. If the person watched the play with understanding and depth, then he will find it realistic. Moreover, it is realistic since Dr. Paul Dumol has used a lot of sources (letters and other documents) before he could write the play.