PSF Premieres Futuristic Original Musical ‘Rizal 3000’ This August
The Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF) is set to premiere Rizal 3000, a new original Filipino musical that asks, “What if a nation forgets its heroes?”
Written and directed by artistic director Vincent Tañada, with music by Pipo Cifra, the production invites audiences to revisit the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal—not through the pages of history books, but through a vision of a future where history itself has been erased.
Set in the year 3000, Rizal 3000 imagines a Philippines ruled by an authoritarian regime where history has been outlawed. Books are banned, education is manipulated, and the country’s national hero has been deliberately erased from public memory. At the center of the story is Iosephus, the nation’s last surviving historian, whose lifelong mission to preserve Rizal’s legacy ultimately costs him everything. When his son, Franchesco, discovers a hidden diary documenting Rizal’s life, ideals, and sacrifices, the forgotten story of a hero begins to awaken an entire nation once more.
Blending science fiction, historical drama, and original Filipino music, Rizal 3000 explores themes of memory, truth, identity, freedom, and sacrifice.
The cast is led by Vincent Tañada, alternating with Vance Larena as Iosephus Raval; Johnrey Rivas, alternating with John Arcenas and Ken Intano as Jose Rizal; and James Ramada, alternating with Peter Parker Tañada and Toby Nicanor as Franchesco.
Also featured in the cast are Joseph Tañada (who also alternates as Iosephus Raval), who alternates with Gerald Magallanes and JP Lopez as Forti Zaragoza; OJ Arci as Rosinie Raventhorne, with Bea Martin also alternating in the role while portraying Yay-ai; Vean Olmedo, who alternates with Reign Marpuri as Leone; Yvonne Ensomo, who alternates with Kris Robles as Leonor Rivera; Renee Escurel, who alternates with Danielle Francia as Josephine Bracken; Elia Ilano, who alternates with Francine Galvez and Clare Bautista as Eden; and Fidel Redado, who alternates with Eliseo Hermosa as Andreus.
Joining Tañada and Cifra on the creative team are choreographers Anthony Cruz and Gerald Magallanes, costume designer Emy Tañada, production designer Kris Manubay, and technical director and lighting designer John Paul Santos.
As the country celebrates Buwan ng Wika and looks ahead to commemorating Rizal Day later this year, PSF says that Rizal 3000 offers a timely reflection on why Rizal’s ideas continue to speak to every generation of Filipinos.
The production opens on August 8 at 6 PM and August 9 at 5 PM at St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Scholastica’s College Manila before embarking on a nationwide tour. Tickets for the Manila performances are priced at ₱1,000 and are available through Ticket2Me.
Comments