The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) will stage a stage production of ‘REX.’

Scheduled to run from November 12 to 22 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater (PMCS) in Circuit Makati, the production exemplifies the college’s commitment to community-driven and socially relevant theatre-making.

‘REX’ brings together Benildean students, faculty, alumni and industry professionals.

A Filipinized reimagining by Benilde faculty

‘REX’ is an adaptation of the tragedy ‘Oedipus Rex’ by Greek tragedian Sophocles. The adaptation situates the Athenian tragedy into a contemporary Filipino context. In doing so, the classical narrative of a divine plague shifts to the pressing matters of flood control failures and political dynasties in modern Philippines.

The reimagined work is set in the city of Tebes. It 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 and expose how systemic corruption among leaders results in collective tragedy.

Serving as playwright is Benilde film faculty member Joshua Lim So, a recent inductee into the Palanca Hall of Fame. Benilde theatre program chair Tuxqs Rutaquio serves as director. Rutaquio’s previous directorial efforts include ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan‘ and ‘About Us But Not About Us’ for IdeaFirst Live.

Cast, creatives and production team

The creative execution features design and artistic contributions from Benilde faculty and alumni, including movement designer Christine Crame, lighting designer Jose Joaquin Aranda, sound designer and engineer TJ Martinez, costume designer Phillip Domingo and projection designer Ces Valera.

The production is spearheaded by a dedicated Benildean leadership team, including project manager Baha Vergara, production manager Irene Romero, deputy production manager Hazel Gutierrez-Marges, marketing & promotions manager Erri Rojo, stage manager Kate Loreno, deputy stage manager Axl Fernandez, technical director Renz Sevilla and assistant technical director Dexter Sy.

Complementing the student actors from the theatre arts program of DLS-CSB are veteran actors Eula Valdez and Martin Del Rosario.

‘REX’ marks the pair”s onstage reunion, 12 years after earning the Gawad Urian for their performances in the critically acclaimed independent film ‘Dagitab.’

Joining them are professional actors Bong Cabrera, Sheryll Ceasico, Emilio Macabantad and EJ Jallorina.

Further information

‘REX’ has a running time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The production will run from November 12 to 22 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.

Tickets are available via Ticket2me. The production is open to the general public, as well as Benilde students, faculty and alumni.

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