Cover ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ opens Repertory Philippines latest theatre home at Eastwood Lifestyle Malls (Photo: Courtesy of Buensalido Public Relations / Repertory Philippines)
‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ opens Repertory Philippines latest theatre home at Eastwood Lifestyle Malls (Photo: Courtesy of Buensalido Public Relations / Repertory Philippines)
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Continuing its long tradition of crafting entertaining theatrical experiences for children and the young-at-heart, Repertory Philippines taps for the first time the magical world of Filipino folklore with ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’
Repertory Philippines (REP) enters a new chapter in its decades-old history by opening its newly build home in Quezon City. In collaboration with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the REP Eastwood Theater opened its doors last October, which was graced by Megaworld executives Kevin Tan and Graham Coates, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, REP’s CEO and president Mindy Perez-Rubio and Repertory’s Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) creative director Joy Virata.
Inaugurating the newest theatre in town is RTYA’s first venture into the original Filipino musical form and folklore genre, Jepoy and the Magic Circle, based on the illustrated short story The Magic Circle by Gilda Cordero-Fernando.
It was a full-circle moment, to say the least, with an RTYA production opening REP’s new home that was made into fruition simply because Coates had his daughters perform at an RTYA production before and that Megaworld has its vision set to building the “Broadway of Asia” as the township desires to build more theatre and entertainment spaces in Metro Manila.
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Above Graham Coates, Kevin Tan, Mayor Joy Belmonte, Mindy Perez-Rubio, and Joy Virata at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for REP Eastwood Theater
Graham Coates, Kevin Tan, Mayor Joy Belmonte, Mindy Perez-Rubio, and Joy Virata at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for REP Eastwood Theater
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Beloved alumni of REP, theatre lovers, QCitizens and more gathered at the special opening of the production, supporting the renowned performing arts company’s new chapter in its history. And just like how Jepoy in the story embarked on an adventure to the unknown, they found home in the company of friends.
Jepoy and the Magic Circle is a fantasy musical introducing children to legendary Filipino characters and some endangered Filipino animals. It is a poignant tale of one’s search for identity, belongingness and acceptance in a society full of misfits and marginalised that Virata was enamoured with after reading for the first time.
Above A scene from ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ with the Tres Marias: Maria Cacao, Mariang Sinukuan, and Maria Makiling
A scene from ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ with the Tres Marias: Maria Cacao, Mariang Sinukuan, and Maria Makiling
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Virata, wanting to try something new for RTYA, dared to break free REP from its reputation of producing only foreign shows and tapped acclaimed playwright Rody Vera and musical composer Ejay Yatco for the daunting task of adapting it for the stage.
A full-blown spectacle indeed, Jepoy and the Magic Circle did not shy away from having colourful and avant-garde costumes, maximalist set designs and props, and even puppetry, which international puppet designer-maker and director Kayla Teodoro happily helped with.
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Above Stephen Viñas as Pacqui the dwarf in ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’
Stephen Viñas as Pacqui the dwarf in ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’
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The play follows Jepoy (Elian Dominguez), the poorest kid in town, son of a lavandera named Aling Barang (Ring Antonio), who grows up with an absent father who the town mockingly labelled as a kapre. Jepoy’s dog, Galís (Cara Barredo / Francis Gatmaytan), runs off with a fine gown that his mother was washing. The young boy chases her until they end up before a giant Balete tree that is believed to be home to magical spirits.
Folk beliefs are present in the story, like when the sun shines while it rains means a tikbalang wedding is happening. Jepoy attends this, even a debut party for a tiyanak, meets aswang cooks, a santelmo, and a slew of enchanted animals.
But amidst its light-hearted quality, the musical tries to dig deeper into more poignant themes as Jepoy meets the queen of the party, Doña Geronima (Pinky Marquez), a kapre (Hans Eckstein) who mourns the loss of his trees due to industrialisation, and the Tres Marias fairies: Maria Cacao, Mariang Sinukuan, and Maria Makiling (Barbara Jance, Paula Paguio, and Mica Fajardo).
Above A scene from ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’
A scene from ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’
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Although the story is easily digestible for young audiences, Yatco and Vera’s songs were entertaining and heart-tugging for their ingenious lyricism and music theory approach. One would quickly feel and understand the ‘Othering’ of Jepoy in the community and how it reflects on misunderstood folkloric entities. Taking an eco-critical approach, the musical also offers children a superficial introduction to environmental issues, which is inevitable when retelling the plight of the Engkantos. Moreover, Stephen Viñas shines in the production as the choreographer and portrays the characters of Mang Kiko and Paqui.
In line with RTYA’s formula of children’s theatre, audiences get to participate in some portions of the show, bringing out the innocent wonder from everyone’s hearts.
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Above ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ heightens the magical element of its production with colourful puppetry operated by actors on stage
Above A poignant scene in ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ with the dog character, Galí, who is portrayed by two actors as she transforms from a domesticated dog into a talking animal companion throughout the show
‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ heightens the magical element of its production with colourful puppetry operated by actors on stage
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Although comical and Disney-fied in this production, the enchanting and magical creatures open the conversations on more important lessons in life and society that Jepoy and the audiences have to learn.
Jepoy and the Magic Circle runs until December 15 at the REP Eastwood Theater, 4F Eastwood Citywalk, Quezon City
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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.
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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.
