Encore Theater stages ‘Miranda & Yolanda’, a twin bill examining the cost of power

This gripping dialogue is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Governor Bingo Beloto, also known as “Big Boss”. He brings a swaggering, overbearing presence to the intimate space, embodying the exact antithesis of the refined, highly cultured world that his wife, Miranda, attempts to cultivate. In the crucial moments just before the opera begins, the genuine misery of their reality comes to light. This revelation exposes who the characters truly are when stripped of the polished facade of their powerful political dynasty.

Bringing these complex figures to life is a powerhouse cast featuring Ana Abad Santos as Miranda, Frances Makil-Ignacio as the observant Mamang, and Joshua Cabiladas as Bingo.

The second act, Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna, shifts the narrative landscape, taking the audience into the highly secured, private sitting room of the presidential palace. The backdrop for this play is one of sudden national upheaval. The timeline is specific: it is the morning immediately following the declaration of Martial Law. Consequently, the atmosphere is incredibly tense, with the Republic undergoing drastic change as the military actively takes control of the streets.

Amidst this severe political climate, an entirely unexpected figure is summoned directly to the seat of power. This figure is Marcel De Alba, a world-class hairstylist renowned for his discreet service to both Asian and European royalty. Upon his arrival, Marcel expects to discuss crucial, perhaps sensitive matters of state. Instead, he finds himself sitting face-to-face with President Yolanda Cadiz.

Cadiz demonstrates absolutely no interest in traditional military strategy or matters of public policy. Her focus remains entirely fixed on a different subject entirely; she obsessively examines the nuanced details of royal protocol and the specific, refined aura required of a true monarch. Her extreme penchant for royal image and protocol entirely drives the unfolding dialogue. Through this unusual exchange, the playwright explores the “maddening transformation” and the psychological shift that absolute power inevitably inflicts upon those who wield it.

This compelling production stars Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino taking on the role of Yolanda, alongside Topper Fabregas as the hairstylist Marcel and Jules dela Paz portraying the Ministro.

To successfully realise Quintos’s vision under Santos’s directorial eye, a highly distinguished artistic and production team is behind this production: Mitoy Sta. Ana takes the lead on production design, crafting the necessary visual environments; while John Batalla serves as the lighting designer; the overall visual and auditory atmosphere is further developed by Steven Tansiongco, who handles both graphic and video design; and Arvy Dimaculangan, who serves as the music and sound designer.

This collaborative team also includes assistant director Mikko Angeles. The roles of dramaturg and publicity manager are shared by Marvin Olaes and Davidson Oliveros. On the technical side, the execution is overseen by technical director Meliton Roxas, Jr and assistant technical director Satya Edilo, with the critical role of stage management handled by Io Balanon. Production managers Alexis Bartolome and Ronah Rostata complete the team.

Miranda & Yolanda has a running time of approximately two hours, including a 15-minute intermission between the two acts. The performances are scheduled to run over several weekends, specifically from April 11 to May 3, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. The established playdates fall on Saturdays and Sundays, offering two performance times each day at 2pm and 7pm.

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