HALUHALO: THEATER
‘Kislap at Algo’ REVIEW: Imagining a Revolution
The twinbill ‘Kislap at Algo’ is a testament to a need for a wake-up call for the Filipino youth to realize that living in a post-truth society has caused us to become passive consumers of dominant narratives. It captures specifically what these dominant Filipino narratives have continued to shape our mainstream consciousness. Challenging these narratives prevents the distortion of realities and myths from being made or dehumanized.
‘Bar Boys: The Musical’ REVIEW: New staging, same emotions
It’s a treat to see the four leads back again for ‘Bar Boys: The Musical.’ I remember seeing Benedix Ramos perform for the first time, and I immediately became a fan because of how gracefully he hit all of the notes. I remember being excited to see Alex Diaz as I was more familiar with him acting onscreen—I remember how natural his acting was. I remember laughing along with Omar Uddin’s Josh and being captivated by his laidback charm. I remember seeing myself in Jerom Canlas’ Torran and crying to ‘Ipaglalaban Kita’, a coming-out scene that, to this day, remains unmatched for me in any musical.
The Worth of Words in 'Pingkian: Isang Musikal’
'Pingkian: Isang Musikal' is a rousing spectacle that remains grounded in its revolutionary spirit.
Omigod! Ateneo Blue Repertory’s ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ Was Perfect!
Ateneo Blue Repertory has consistently been putting out spectacular musical productions and their production of ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ was beyond perfect.
‘Kisapmata’ REVIEW: To Remember, to Never Forget
Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Kisapmata’ reminds us that in allowing ourselves to live on, we allow ourselves to remember—to never forget—and to continue retelling the story.
Stage is the Perfect Medium for 'Anino sa Likod ng Buwan'
Watching the film with the knowledge of the play finally being staged this year, I kept agreeing with that decision: maybe theater is the perfect place for ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan.’
‘3 Upuan’ REVIEW: Spare Staging Gives Way to Unsparing Expression of Grief
Guelan Varela-Luarca’s play of three elder millennial siblings preparing for, and experiencing, grief with confident simplicity. 3 Upuan trusts its actors to express its wise musings and the weight of time’s passage to profound effect.
‘Nagkatuwaan Sa Tahanang Ito’ REVIEW: A Wonderfully Staged Exercise in Exerting and Releasing Control - Like Any Great Family
Mad Child Productions’ ‘Nagkatuwaan Sa Tahanang Ito’ raises thorny questions and feelings about family. Three people orbit Kendra’s preferred definition of family, even if Kendra is forced to examine what it really means to keep a family close.
‘Sandosenang Sapatos’ REVIEW: For the dreamers despite of it all
The ending of Sandosenang Sapatos ultimately seals the show’s overall thesis: unconditional love can never be broken, no matter how many storms test its strength.
‘Nanay Bangis’ and the Grim Realities of War
Ultimately, Nanay Bangis is a timely and thought-provoking adaptation that breathes new life into a Brechtian classic.
‘Request sa Radyo’: An enthralling exercise in empathy
Request sa Radyo is exactly that—a wordless play whose appeal comes from the breathtaking and eye-catching performances of Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon.
‘Bar Boys: A New Musical’ and what it means to fight for justice
Barefoot Theater Collaborative’s rerun of ‘Bar Boys: A New Musical’ is the hottest show currently running right now, if you're intrigued by the cast's tremendous performance and the compelling tale of justice and friendship it tells.
‘Once on This Island’ and why Ti Moune’s tragic story needs to be told
9 Works Theatrical embarks on a tropical journey to tell the story of a peasant girl’s unrequited, unparalleled, and unconditional love with Once on This Island: A Musical.
‘Betrayal’: The kabit story told from a Filipino-British perspective
Repertory Philippines presents a refreshing take on the usual 'kabitan-serye' with Victor Lirio's version of the acclaimed play "Betrayal”, exploring relationships from a Filipino-British gaze.
'Kumprontasyon': An abridged journal entry pseudo-essay
The year has just begun and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is already bringing the goods to the table. From January 18 to 21, PETA staged a revival of Kumprontasyon, directed by Melvin Lee for his thesis.