PETA’S ‘Walang Aray’ is refreshed with inclusivity and social relevance
Severino Reyes, the playwright of the zarzuela, Walang Sugat, may never have imagined that his Julia would be played by Lance Reblando and Lucas by Ice Seguerra, both of whom are trans actors selected after an extensive audition for the rerun of Walang Aray, the reimagined musical based on the 1898 work first performed in 1902.
But he may very well be pleased, just as his great grandson, Jun Reyes is, that the classic piece has been made relevant again for the modern age. In two successful runs, audiences from seniors to zoomers connected to Walang Aray’s story of romance and revolution through contemporary language, catchy tunes in a mix of music genres, and irreverent humor with up-to-the-minute social and political commentary.
The choice of the two thespians was not a marketing gimmick, as J-Mee Katanyag, PETA artistic director, clarifies. They were discussing it with playwright and librettist Rody Vera and noted how pre-colonial Philippines was not strictly binary until the arrival of the Spaniards. Director Ian Segarra adds that the choice “challenges norms, expands representation and proves that love stories can break the mold.” Thus, auditions for the production were opened to all genders and identities, encouraging those who normally would not even be considered for these roles. Those who were “invisible” for the longest time are now seen and given a safe space on PETA’s theater stage.
It’s timely since PETA has always been fighting for equality, giving a voice to the marginalized and the oppressed. It is also inherent in the musical’s theme of love and revolution: “Tumidig at Umibig,” to love our significant other, our family, our community, our nation, and to stand up for them and fight for what is right.
In Walang Aray, zarzuela star Julia and Tenyong, who are secret lovers known only to their respective sidekicks Monica and Lucas, reach a crossroads when the parents of Tenyong die under the cruelty of the friars led by Padre Alfaro, prompting him to join the revolutionary Katipunan to fight for justice and freedom from the Spaniards.
Aside from Reblando and Seguerra, there’s an exciting lineup of new cast members. Pop icon Jolina Magdangal makes her theater debut as Doña Juana, Julia’s mother, alternating with Neomi Gonzales and Gold Villar Lim who joins the cast for the first time. Rendell Sanchez, who trained with the Royal Academy of Art (RADA) in London and recently debuted at AteneoRep’s Legally Blonde, the Musical, personifies the “guapitong borta” Miguel, Julia’s rich suitor. TV, film and theater actress Divine Aucina, known for her role as Eugene Domingo’s witty sidekick in GMA’s Dear Uge, will play Monica, alternating with Kiki Baento who originated the role. Roi Calilong, a regular PETA actor who has proven his comedic and dramatic chops in various productions including the recent The Late Mr. Real at CCP’s Virgin Labfest, essays Padre Alfaro, alternating with Johnnie Moran. New ensemble members include the popular drag star Bomba Ding, fresh from his debut in Full House Theater Company’s Delia D. and Miah Canton who was also in the same musical.
Actor, singer, songwriter Seguerra, of course, has been acting since age three and has appeared on the theater stage from Atlantis Theatrical’s Rock of Ages and Avenue Q to the recent Choosing directed by Anton Juan. Reblando was nominated in the recent Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards for her performance in 9Works’ Rent. She will alternate with Marynor Madamesila and Shaira Opsimar, also both Gawad nominees for the first run of the musical, as are Gio Gahol and Jon Abella, alternating as Tenyong. Walang Aray actually had the most nominations at last year’s Gawad, totaling 19 and winning eight awards including Outstanding Musical, Direction, Book, Original Score, Musical Direction and Choreography.
Revisiting the material from its last run, Segarra and his creative team were able to dig deeper with new eyes, reviewing the scenes, questioning previous choices, refining what needed refining and adding new songs. With Norbs Portales joining as associate director, a fresh and daring creative pulse was added, “shaping the new version into something sharper, and in many ways braver,” says Segarra. The contemporary references had to be updated based on the latest current events and issues. The musical score was also tweaked and refined, with new cast members and creative staff “bringing in a whole lot of good energy,” says composer and musical director Vince Lim who is excited about the mix of the “OG” and the new blood.
The need to restage the musical became even more urgent with recent current events that behoove us to examine how our romantic, familial and national relationships are shaped and often wounded by systems of control. It exposes the past that continues to hurt us while showing how we laugh, love, fight and perform our way to healing. Contrary to the title, “may aray pa rin mula sa kasaysayan, sa lipunan, sa pamilya, wounds that may change form over time, but they remain,” says Katanyag. Segarra adds that “Yung mga themes still resonate sa panahon natin ngayon at importante siya kasi maganda siyang magpaalala kung nasaan tayo ngayon bilang mga Pilipino at kung saan tayo papunta bilang bayan.”
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'Walang Aray' runs from Aug. 29 to Oct. 12 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City.
