REVIEW: ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ is a portal to a new REP

REVIEW: ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ is a portal to a new REP

RTYA’s production of ‘Jepoy’ commits to and delivers a high level of artistry– more than good enough for both children and adult audiences alike.

‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle’ is the maiden production of Repertory Philippines’ Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) in their new home, with less seats than their previous Greenbelt Onstage venue, but certainly more modern and luxurious. It is also Rep’s 464th production in 57 years.

New Home

Repertory Philippines had to hurriedly look for a new home when Greenbelt (their base for two decades) closed for renovation in March. Bring your blazer, folks. This new theater demands the layered look.

The company decided to inaugurate their new place with a stage adaptation of the Gilda Cordero-Fernando children’s book The Magic Circle. Written for the stage by Rody Vera and directed by Joy Virata, the show highlighted the technical possibilities of Eastwood Theater. It had spectacle and splendor enough to dazzle adults and children alike.

Jepoy is one show that encapsulates ‘edutainment’ for any who might be on the lookout for experiences that may enthrall children, even with their ever-shortening attention spans. At only a little over an hour and a half, you’ll find that Jepoy offers something of value that may contribute to a child’s understanding of self and the space they occupy in the world.

All Creatures Great and Small

It begins with intricately made and colorfully lit animal puppets (Kayla Teodoro is puppet designer) manipulated by members of the ensemble, and a duwende (complete with salakot) named Paqui who sings to the crowd and entices us to sing along with them as we identify the Filipino animals. Paqui introduces us to the poorest boy in town, Jepoy Baybayin, and his outcast mother whose job as a laundress is threatened by the arrival of the washing machine. 

Their naughty aspin, Galis, runs off with one of the gowns being laundered by hand. In an effort to gain it back, Jepoy runs deep into the forest he had previously never entered, because his father (rumored to be a kapre) supposedly vanished inside, many years ago.

There’s the forest visible to humans, but another hidden one beyond a portal (shown here as impressive lighting–John Batalla is lighting designer–and one of the show’s technical highlights). If I were to list down the creatures Jepoy finds within, one might think this was a horror film. We are introduced to creatures from Philippine folklore–the kapre, tikbalang, aswang, tiyanak, to name a few–presented here as exotic creatures through song and dance, their designs (Raven Ong is costume designer) stripped out of their scary quality.

These supernatural creatures live in the forest, along with the other endangered species, and as urbanization increases, they’re driven underground. Like the animals, the sirena and manananggal, too, are losing their homes to malls and subdivisions. As we get to know these creatures, we come to the crux of the show: it’s not the monsters that are scary. It’s the like of Jepoy–the humans–who are feared the most because we have the power to destroy.

And if somehow the messaging seemed a bit rushed towards the end, in a pile-on of wise lines about removing arbitrary barriers erected towards the “Other” (made child-friendly by using the word “weirdo”),  the ninety-minute show ended with a cute interactive scene where audience members are encouraged to shout “Hiraya” in order to revive a dying kapre, the show even referring to the famous Peter Pan moment where a fairy dies whenever a child says they don’t believe in one. ‘Hiraya’ speaks of the power of dreams, of using artistic vision to imagine a better world.

Joyful Harmony

RTYA has always relied on a certain formula: colorful costumes, interactive moments between its target audience, and musical numbers. These elements, when done well as in ‘Jepoy,’ transcend expectations and becomes an entertaining introduction to the powers of the art form for its intended young audiences.

Boredom is an impossibility with ‘Jepoy.’ This charming and vibrant show, with tight pacing and an excellent score full of melodies that linger in memory, will bring smiles to all.

Director Joy Virata’s vision was executed well by all her colleagues. There was true artistic harmony from all, from the catchy tunes of Ejay Yatco (I still hear “What’s My Name” inside my head), to the thrilling lights of John Batalla, and of course, the wonderful ensemble with each member belting and leaping so generously, it was a joy to watch from start to end.

Pinky Marquez’s distinctively powerful voice stood out as she easily took centerstage in the dual roles of Doña Geronima/Etang, while Stephen Viñas showed how he could also sing as well as dance in his numbers as Paqui the Duwende. Others in the ensemble demonstrated solid vocals and impressive dance skills (especially the Three Marias/Maritesses, performed that evening by Barbara Jance, Paula Paguio, and Mica Fajardo). While Elian Dominguez’s singing possesses no vibrato as of yet, his honest face, earnestness, and likability made him a hero very easy to root for.

RTYA’s production of ‘Jepoy’ commits to and delivers a high level of artistry– more than good enough for both children and adult audiences alike.

 

Tickets: P1,000 – P1,500
Show Dates: October 5, 2024 – February 2025
Venue: REP Theater, Eastwood Citywalk
Running Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including a 15 minute intermission)
Credits: Joy Virata (Director), Rody Vera (Playwright), Ejay Yatco (Composer), Cara Barredo (Assistant Director), Stephen Viñas (Choreographer), Mio Infante (Set Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer), Hershee Tantiado (Associate Costume Designer), Francis Gatmaytan (Associate Choreographer), Kayla Teodoro (Puppet Designer), John Batalla (Lighting Designer), GA Fallarme (Projection Designer)
Cast: Noel Comia Jr., Elian Dominguez, Yhuan Gatbunton, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Abi Sulit, Ring Antonio, Francis Gatmaytan, Cara Barredo, Hans Eckstein, Julienne Mendoza, Joey Vargas, Joshua Cabiladas, Stephen Viñas, Luis Marcelo, Franco Ramos, Pinky Marquez, Abi Sulit, Ring Antonio, Lance Soliman, Sean Nolasco, Monica Tulio, Ayla Garcia, Paula Paguio, Barbara Jance, Jay Barrameda, Mica Fajardo, Chesko Rodriguez, Broey Divinagracia, Ado Villanueva, JV Fulgencio, Jae Valencia, Deo Dela Cruz, VJ Cortel, Kenny Isidoro, Jay Pangilinan, Chan Rabutazo, Dindo Divinagracia, Gabo Tiongson, Pablo Palacpac, Sebastian Katigbak, Ian Hermogenes, Bea Remollo, Jana Cabiladas, Katie Bradshaw, Alyanna Wijangco, Nyla Festejo, Jacqui Jacinto, Cheska Quimno, Meg Salud, Francesca Mata, Daniella Albano, and Ayam Eckstein.
Company: Repertory Philippines’ Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA)