#TheaterPH - Steampunk'd - Why You Need To See The Best Version Of Mabini Yet
Ten years is a lifetime in the theater, yet Tanghalang Pilipino’s Mabining Mandirigma has managed to do something few productions can: it has aged like a fine, brass-finished wine. A decade since its first staging, this steampunk musical has returned, shedding its old skins and evolving through various iterations to become the powerhouse spectacle currently charging the stage.
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| Photo by May Celeste / Tanghalang Pilipino |
What started as a daring experiment has matured into a sophisticated masterpiece that feels more urgent, more informative, and—dare we say—more entertaining than ever before.
A New Voice for the "Brains of the Revolution"
The role of Apolinario Mabini has always carried a unique weight. We’ve seen different souls inhabit the Sublime Paralytic, including the memorable Hazel Grace Maranan. But this season, Shaira Opsimar takes the helm, and she is nothing short of a revelation.
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| Photo by May Celeste / Tanghalang Pilipino |
Opsimar delivers a performance that balances grounded vulnerability with a vocal prowess that hits like a lightning bolt. Her Mabini isn't just a historical figure; she is a believable, breathing force of nature who commands the stage without ever leaving her seat. Complementing this is Ynna Rafa, who plays the young Apolinario, providing a poignant look at the roots of the man who would help define a nation.
The Architects of the Revolution
The "Steampunk" in the title isn't just a gimmick—it is a living, breathing world built by a stellar creative team:
Toym Imao’s set design remains a triumph of industrial imagination, flawlessly illuminated by the light and projection work of Roman Cruz, Ga Fallarme, and JM Jimenez. The live music accompaniment by Joed Balsamo provides a cinematic heartbeat that keeps the adrenaline high. The choreography by Denisa Reyes and Richardson Yadao is sharp, kinetic, and perfectly mirrors the internal friction of a country trying to find its footing.
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| Photo by May Celeste / Tanghalang Pilipino |
Standout Performances
The ensemble cast brings a depth to the Philippine-American War era that feels startlingly modern:
David Ezra (Emilio Aguinaldo), with a commanding presence and a voice that fills every corner of the theater, he is the perfect foil to Mabini’s intellectual fire.
Tex Ordoñez De Leon practically stole the oxygen from the room during the drag queen segment. Her vocals and movement are a masterclass in stage magnetism.
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| Photo by May Celeste / Tanghalang Pilipino |
The quartet of MC Dela Cruz, Jonathan Tadioan, Roby Malubay, and Marco Viaña add layers of political intrigue and humor, while Gelo Molina’s turn as Pepe provides a standout musical highlight.
The Verdict
This is, without question, the best iteration of Mabining Mandirigma. It is a rare "triple threat" of a show: it educates you on the complexities of Philippine history, dazzles you with top-tier production value, and moves you with its contemporary relevance.
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| Photo by May Celeste / Tanghalang Pilipino |
In a world of gears and steam, it reminds us that the most powerful machine of all is the human spirit—and the will to be free.
Don’t miss the revolution. This is a limited engagement, and tickets are flying faster than a steampunk airship. Catch it while you still can!
𝙏𝙄𝘾𝙆𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝘼𝙑𝘼𝙄𝙇𝘼𝘽𝙇𝙀 HERE:
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