‘About Us But Not About Us’ Stage Adaptation to Open in February 2026
IdeaFirst Live!, the live performance arm of The IdeaFirst Company headed by Jun Robles Lana and Elmer Gatchalian, is set to stage its second theatrical offering following its adaptation of Anino Sa Likod Ng Buwan.
The company will mount a stage adaptation of Jun Robles Lana’s About Us But Not About Us, retaining the original title. Written and directed by Lana, the film premiered during the 2023 Summer Edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival and starred Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas. It went on to win 10 awards at the Gabi ng Parangal, including Best Film, Best Actor for Sarmenta, and Best Director for Lana.
Sarmenta and Canlas return to reprise their roles as Eric and Lancelot, respectively. Joining them are Epy Quizon and Andoy Ranay, who will alternate as Marcus; Herbie Go and Geraldine Villamil, who will alternate as Dean Dimalanta; and Jack Denzel Gaza as the Waiter. Noel Rayos serves as the understudy for Eric, while Jao Catarus is the understudy for Lancelot.
The story follows a seemingly casual conversation between a literature professor and his student that quickly devolves into a tense psychological confrontation, as secrets, lies, and long-held truths begin to surface. The work examines identity, hidden trauma, and the complex, manipulative nature of storytelling and human relationships.
In a video shared by the company, Canlas says, “Kung fan kayo ng pelikula, ang masasabi ko ay sobrang iba niya sa pelikula. Unlike Anino sa Likod ng Buwan, na it was just a restaging of the text at its purest, ito namang About Us was rewritten for the stage.”
He adds, “Mas urgent iyung pagiging suspenseful niya. Iyung pagiging thriller niya, mas mararamdaman iyung genre na iyun sa teatro.”
Directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, the production runs from February 14 to March 8, 2026, with Friday performances at 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday performances at 3 PM and 8 PM at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. Tickets are priced at P3,920 (VIP), P3,360 (Orchestra Center), and P2,800 (Orchestra Side), and are available via Ticket2Me.
The performance runs for two hours, including a 15-minute intermission, and is intended for mature audiences only. Audiences below 18 years old will not be admitted.
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