“Rex,” the upcoming reimagining of the ancient Greek tragedy by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through its School of Arts, Culture and Performance (SACP), demonstrates its commitment to community-driven, socially relevant theater-making.
Scheduled to run from Nov. 12 to 22 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati, “Rex” is a multisectoral institutional collaboration bringing together Benilde students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals.
The production bridges diverse academic programs across the college—including Theater Arts, Production Design, Dance, Music Production, Multimedia Arts, Photography, and Creative Industries Management—exemplifying how academic learning integrates with professional stagecraft.
Written by Joshua Lim So, a Palanca Hall of Famer and faculty of Digital Film in DLS-CSB, and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, acclaimed director, set designer, and chair of the DLS-CSB Theater Arts program, “Rex” is an adaptation of Sophocles’ ancient tragedy “Oedipus Rex” into a contemporary Filipino context.
The production shifts the classical narrative from a divine plague to the pressing social crises facing modern Filipino communities: flood control failures, questionable public infrastructure, and political dynasties.
Set in the city of Tebes, the story follows the Po family and their company, St. Paul the Apostle Constructions, as torrential rains leave over a hundred citizens dead. As the household attempts to protect its interests, long-buried truths emerge, exposing how the systemic corruption of leaders results in collective tragedy.
The creative execution features design and artistic contributions from Benilde faculty and alumni, including movement designer Christine Crame (Dance), lighting designer Jose Joaquin Aranda (Theater Arts), sound designer and engineer TJ Martinez (Music Production faculty and alumnus), costume designer Phillip Domingo (Production Design alumnus), and production designer Ces Valera (Production Design faculty and alumna).
The production is led by a dedicated Benilde team, including project manager Baha Vergara (Theater Arts), production manager Irene Romero (Theater Arts alumna), deputy production manager Hazel Gutierrez-Marges (Theater Arts), marketing and promotions manager Erri Rojo (Creative Industries Management), stage manager Kate Loreno (Theater Arts alumna), deputy stage manager Axl Fernandez, technical director Renz Sevilla, and assistant technical director Dexter Sy.
Complementing the student actors from DLS-CSB’s BA Theater Arts program are veteran actors Eula Valdez and Martin Del Rosario, leading the ensemble. This marks their onstage reunion 12 years after they earned Gawad Urian awards for their performances in the critically acclaimed indie film “Dagitab” (2014).
Joining them are professional actors Bong Cabrera (Theater Arts faculty), Sheryll Ceasico, Emilio Macabantad (Theater Arts alumnus), and EJ Jallorina.
Jallorina, a “Goin’ Bulilit” alumna playing a trans woman character in the play, continues her advocacy for authentic queer representation and for breaking media stereotypes on stage.—CONTRIBUTED
Performance dates: Nov. 12–15 and Nov. 19–22. Opening/Press Night: Nov 12 (7 p.m.). Gala Night: Nov. 13 (7 p.m.). Weekend and matinee shows: Nov 14, 15, 21, 22 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Nov 19, 20 (7 p.m.).
Seating capacity is 300 seats total: Trono ni Rex (VIP Center Elevated Bleachers); Tanaw ng Tebes (Front Floor Level); Sa Gilid ng Lihim (Side Seating). Open to the general public, as well as Benilde students, faculty, and alumni.
Tickets are available online via Ticket2Me.net. Ticket claims begin one hour before showtime; doors open 30 minutes prior.
