De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through its School of Arts, Culture and Performance (SACP), announces the upcoming theatrical production of “REX,” a reimagining of Greek tragedy.
Scheduled to run from November 12 to 22, 2026 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati, REX exemplifies Benilde’s commitment to community-driven, socially relevant theater-making.
Written by Palanca Hall of Famer and faculty of Digital Film in DLS-CSB, Joshua Lim So, and directed by acclaimed director, set designer, and chair of the Theater Arts program DLS-CSB, Tuxqs Rutaquio, REX adapts Sophocles’s ancient tragedy Oedipus Rex into a contemporary Filipino context.
Set in the city of Tebes, the story follows the Po family and their company, St. Paul the Apostle Constructions, as torrential rains leave over a hundred citizens dead. As the household attempts to protect its interests, long-buried truths emerge, exposing how systemic corruption swallowing leaders leads to collective tragedy.
The production shifts the classical narrative from a divine plague to the pressing social crises facing modern Filipino communities: flood control failures, questionable public infrastructure, and political dynasties.
PEOPLE BEHIND THE PLAY
REX is a multi-sectoral institutional collaboration bringing together Benildean students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals.
The production bridges diverse academic programs across the college—including Theater Arts, Production Design, Dance, Music Production, Multimedia Arts, Photography, and Creative Industries Management—demonstrating how academic learning integrates with professional stagecraft.
The creative execution features design and artistic contributions from Benilde faculty and alumni, including Movement Designer Christine Crame (Dance), Lighting Designer Jose Joaquin Aranda (Theater Arts), Sound Designer and Engineer TJ Martinez (Music Production faculty and alumnus), Costume Designer Phillip Domingo (Production Design alumnus), and Projection Designer Ces Valera (Production Design faculty and alumna).
The production is spearheaded by a dedicated Benildean leadership team, including Project Manager Baha Vergara (Theater Arts), Production Manager Irene Romero (Theater Arts alumna), Deputy Production Manager Hazel Gutierrez-Marges (Theater Arts), Marketing & Promotions Manager Erri Rojo (Creative Industries Management), Stage Manager Kate Loreno (Theater Arts alumna), Deputy Stage Manager Axl Fernandez, Technical Director Renz Sevilla, and Asst. Technical Director Dexter Sy.
Complementing the student actors from the BA Theater Arts program of DLS-CSB are veteran actors Eula Valdez and Martin Del Rosario, leading the ensemble.
This marks their onstage reunion 12 years after both earned Gawad Urian awards for their performances in the critically acclaimed independent film Dagitab (2014).
Joining them are professional actors Bong Cabrera (Theater Arts faculty), Sheryll Ceasico, Emilio Macabantad (Theater Arts alumnus), and EJ Jallorina.
Jallorina—a Goin’ Bulilit alumna playing a trans woman character—continues her advocacy for authentic queer representation and for breaking media stereotypes on stage.
SCHEDULE AND TICKET
The production has a total running time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Venue: Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati
Performance Dates: November 12–15 & November 19–22, 2026
Opening / Press Night: Nov 12 (7:00 PM)
Gala Night: Nov 13 (7:00 PM)
Weekend & Matinee Shows:
Nov 14, 15, 21, 22 (2:00 PM & 7:00 PM) |
Nov 19, 20 (7:00 PM)
Seating Capacity (300 Seats Total):
- Trono ni Rex (VIP Center Elevated Bleachers)
- Tanaw ng Tebes (Front Floor Level)
- Sa Gilid ng Lihim (Side Seating)
Ticketing:
Open to the general public, as well as Benilde students, faculty, and alumni.
Tickets are available online via Ticket2Me.net. Ticket claims begin 1 hour before showtime; doors open 30 minutes prior.
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