Cover A scene from Infinite Cantina’s upcoming production, ‘Saglit Lang’, written by BJ Crisostomo and directed by Anton Juan
A scene from Infinite Cantina’s upcoming production, ‘Saglit Lang’, written by BJ Crisostomo and directed by Anton Juan
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BJ Crisostomo pens a powerful play titled ‘Saglit Lang’ that serves as an ode to theatre artistry
This April, theatre company Infinite Cantina is bringing its latest production, Saglit Lang, to The Mirror Studio Theatre in Makati City. Written by the company’s founder, BJ Crisostomo, the play will run for two weekends from April 17 to 19 and April 24 to 26, 2026. The production challenges audiences to re-evaluate their understanding of the dramatic arts and return to the medium’s unglamorous roots.
The narrative centres on Bata (played alternately by Crisostomo and Rico del Rosario), who seeks refuge from a harsh reality in an abandoned theatre, where he meets a spectral figure known as the Maestro (portrayed by Ron Capinding). Through excerpts from classic texts, the pair delve into the life-affirming essence of the stage. Crisostomo describes the piece as “basically a love letter to the theatre in many forms,” exploring “how students grow inside the theatre” and how one reveres the sanctity of the theatre stage. The playwright notes that the script draws heavily from his time at Ateneo and honours his late mentor, Dr Ricardo G Abad, who passed away in 2023.
Read more: World Theatre Day 2023: Anton Juan and his undying passion for theatre
Above Anton Juan, director of ‘Saglit Lang’ with Ron Capinding who plays the role of Maestro
Anton Juan, director of ‘Saglit Lang’ with Ron Capinding who plays the role of Maestro
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Director Anton Juan invites viewers to look beyond their preconceptions of the art form. “I have only one question for all of us,” Juan shared during a preview. “This is what I always ask all the actors and students in the theatre or dance, ‘What was your face before you were born?’” It is a question that stems from his training and knowledge of butoh, a form of dance that originated in Japan and is known for having performers whose lineages of mentors, histories and narratives are embodied onstage.
Juan also challenges the current accessibility of the arts, questioning the demographic of modern theatregoers given steep ticket prices. “I don’t go to the theatre anymore unless I’m invited,” he confessed, adding, “I can’t afford to pay PHP 2,500 to PHP 4,000 a ticket”. He advocates for reaching broader, less affluent audiences. Rejecting the notion that he is merely reacting to the local theatre scene’s current state, Juan stated, “I’m not a reactor because I’m not reactionary. I’m progressive. I think those students of mine know that I like broadly doing workshops [because] I want [them] to experience all kinds of theatre styles.”
Above A scene from Infinite Cantina’s upcoming production, ‘Saglit Lang’, written by BJ Crisostomo and directed by Anton Juan
A scene from Infinite Cantina’s upcoming production, ‘Saglit Lang’, written by BJ Crisostomo and directed by Anton Juan
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Echoing the call for inclusivity and a democratised theatre space, Capinding passionately asserts that the arts must remain accessible. Quoting poignant lines from the play, he proclaimed, “Ang teatro ay karapatang pang-tao! [The theatre speaks of human rights].” Emphasising the need for connection, he posed a vital question about the barrier of entry: “Paano matitikman ang katotohanan na ako ay ikaw at ikaw ay ako? [How would we be able to understand the truth that you are me and I am you?]”
The play aims to convey that theatre is both a reflection of our reality and a torch for our voices. With this as the foundation for the play, the show aims to share the power of transformation, light and hope that theatre can bring to audiences and artists alike.
Above Ron Capinding and Rico del Rosario, portraying the dynamics between the Maestro and Bata in BJ Crisostomo’s ‘Saglit Lang’
Ron Capinding and Rico del Rosario, portraying the dynamics between the Maestro and Bata in BJ Crisostomo’s ‘Saglit Lang’
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Juan leads the creative team as its director. Joining him are Irene Romero as lights designer, Lawyn Cruz as set designer, Santi Obcena as costume designer, Kyle Confesor as sound designer, and Juls Castro as projection designer.
Founded in 2024 by Crisostomo, Infinite Cantina champions new stories and bold storytelling. At its core is a belief in radical kindness and optimism: the idea that even the tiniest change can make a lasting impact on our communities. The company staged their first two productions, Umbilical and Ad Infinitum: Two Plays in Memoriam, in 2025.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
