Spotlight on the best theater moments of 2025
We are now in what we may call a post-revenge theater era, with multiple shows running all over the metro every weekend. Most exciting is that major theater companies and more independent performing arts groups are showcasing Filipino stories, and unafraid to add a more local nuance to otherwise imported or adapted material.
For the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 40th anniversary, the spotlight is turned towards the power of the Filipino story. And what better way to celebrate it than by looking back at the most striking moments in the local theater scene this year?
Noteworthy adaptations
“Kisapmata,” is one of this year’s standouts. Inspired by both the Mike De Leon film and the Nick Joaquin crime reportage “House on Zapote Street,” Tanghalang Pilipino (TP)’s thrilling four-hander was one of this year’s must-sees.
Meanwhile, IdeaFirst’s “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” was a risque staging. The show’s opening scene was already bold (in the literal sense), perhaps tying in to its themes of exploring and challenging power dynamics and sex as a weapon. Its main critique, though, was how the production has overemphasized the sensuality.
The newest iteration of “Bar Boys: The Musical” has been lauded as its most definitive form yet. Moving from the minimalist, black box setup to a fuller proscenium set amplified the visual storytelling and allowed more space for powerful ensemble performances.
The power of her- and queer-story
Theater has always been about pushing forward the voices and stories that need to be heard. This rings louder than ever in our local industry, especially this year. “Gregoria Lakambini,” TP’s newest musical, channels the strong female P-pop idol figures we love into the women in our history. The result is a colorful trip through Oryang’s life, backed by a music chart-worthy soundtrack.
Drag has also found a bigger stage here. In the Jonathan Manalo musical “Delia D,” wider audiences are given a glimpse into the sort of family found within drag circles, and also told of the perils of fame through the rise and fall of the titular character.
We also see more LGBTQIA+ actors take up a more prominent space in the spotlight. A major highlight is Lance Reblando’s first bow as Julia, lead in PETA’s “Walang Aray,” where she proudly brought out the Trans Flag.
Globally acclaimed material through a Filipino lens
One of the biggest revelations of the year was in Marvin Ong’s “Side Show” portrayal of Jake. His command of every scene and powerful vocal and acting chops earned well-deserved rave reviews.
GMG Productions, known for bringing in iconic productions like “Les Misérables,” “Miss Saigon,” and “Hamilton,” debuted their first production with a full Filipino cast: “Come From Away.” The inspiring story of the small town amid 9/11 became more moving, portrayed with the heart that’s special to Filipino theater actors.
The best of Filipino creativity was on full display in Full House Theater Company’s “Shrek The Musical.” They pulled out all the stops with the stage’s transformation as Shrek and Donkey in the Dragon’s lair on their way to Fiona’s castle.
CAST, known for its thoughtfully curated staged readings, staged an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People,” renamed “In the Eyes of the People.” Now set in a hot spring town in the Philippines, with faces and names that are now Filipino, it hits closer to home, especially in light of recent political scandals.
And of course, we’d be remiss to not mention the phenomenal run of “Into the Woods,” with a stellar cast led by Lea Salonga. Theatre Group Asia makes it profoundly Filipino through its visuals, adding a layer of meaning to its message.
Read the full story on lifestyle.inquirer.net.
