‘Makara: The Musical’ on tackling the gaze that sunders relationships

Musically, the production is impressive. The main actors are incredibly strong vocalists who easily power through the show’s demanding songs. However, there is a clear style clash between the soundtrack and the actual setting of the play.

The story is deeply rooted in an impoverished Filipino fishing village, where characters sing about raw local realities, like lambat [fishing nets] and danggit [dried fish], which were used to push the story forward through semiotics. Yet, the score sometimes paints an uneven picture of the musical as a whole as it dwells on contemporary genre forms for the sheer spectacle effect of some key scenes.

Read more: The Impossible Dream returns: Repertory Philippines revives ‘Man of La Mancha’

While these high-energy tracks and contemporary dance routines get the audience excited, they tend to romanticise the setting. The modern execution glosses over the tough socioeconomic hardships of the village, making life on the coast look a bit nostalgic. Additionally, the show rarely uses the full power of its ensemble, often limiting major musical numbers to a few actors on stage.

Behind the scenes, the technical choices lean into an aesthetic noir that might not appeal to everyone. In an effort to build a dark, foreboding atmosphere, the front lights and spotlights are restricted to rigid, static positions and occasionally suffer from off-blocking. Not to mention the numerous blackouts in between scenes that dull the momentum of the play.

During the upbeat choreography, the sudden flash of moving lights makes those specific scenes feel less like an organic part of a theatrical story and more like a standalone pop concert performance peppered throughout the show.

Recognised for its plot twists in its productions, Studio A has built over the last two years a loyal community of over 50,000 live theatregoers by specialising in smaller, highly intimate shows. Taking a massive step into a larger venue with a complex mythological tragedy like Makara shows incredible ambition.

While the staging is somewhat uneven—propped up by excellent vocals but slowed down by lighting choices—it proves that Studio A is not afraid to take big risks. Makara highlights how this rising company is working its way to make its mark in the local theatre circuit.

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