‘Pilato’ Original Filipino Musical Set to Open this April
The Corner Studio is set to stage its debut production, Pilato, an all-original Filipino musical, this April at the PETA Theater Center. The production revisits the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Poncio Pilato, a man caught at the crossroads of power, faith, and duty.
The musical follows Pilato’s journey from his early ambitions in Rome to his appointment as prefect of Judea, a province brimming with religious and political unrest. There, Pilato’s every decision is scrutinized by a constellation of figures: the enigmatic historiographer, Josepo; the calculating high priest, Caiaphas; his wise and foreboding wife, Procla; and Hesus, a mysterious and magnetic presence rumored to be the King of the Jews.
As the country approaches the 2025 elections, the company says that Pilato aims to serve as a meditation on truth in all its complexity, challenging us to confront the choices we make as individuals and as a society.
“Information comes to us in countless forms and modes. But how do we sift through the chaos to uncover the truth? Would we even recognize the truth if we meet it face-to-face?” shares writer-director Eldrin Veloso. “Essentially, that is what the play hopes to put out there–a journey that dares to unravel the mystery of truth’s many faces. With our society on the brink of a post-truth era, I believe this is a story that demands to be told, now more than ever.”
The cast features Jerome Ferguson as Pilato, Onyl Torres as Josepo, Christy Lagapa as Procla, Noel Rayos as Hesus, Jeremy Manite as Caiaphas, Marit Samson as Publius, Chan Rabutazo as Decimus, and Ard Lim as Marcus.
They are joined by Mika Espinosa, VJ Cortel, Julia Panlilio, Hiro Delos Reyes, Misha Fabian, Robert Macaraeg, Francel Go, Darwin Lomentigar, Harrah Casey, Thor Ganchero, Cynthia J. Santos, and Jason Chan as members of the ensemble.
The show is written by director Eldrin Veloso with composer Yanni Robeniol. They are joined by Pauline Arejola (musical director), Tsard Chua (scenic and costume designer), Ian Torqueza (lighting designer and technical director), and Daniel Wesley (choreographer).
Pilato opens on April 4 at 8 PM and will continue to run from April 5 to 6 and April 11 to 13, with shows at 3 PM and 8 PM, at the PETA Theater Center. Tickets are P2,200 (VIP), P2,000 (Orchestra), P1,500 (Orchestra Side and Lower Balcony Center), and P1,200 (Lower Balcony Side and Upper Balcony Center), which are available via pilato.helixpay.ph.
This marks the inaugural theatrical venture of The Corner Studio, a creative agency known for weaving narratives through branding, production, marketing, and design.
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