#ThearerPH - Illuminating the Dark: Why Tanghalang Pilipino’s Sayaw Ng Mga Ilaw is a Masterpiece of Movement and Memory
When playwright Juan Ekis took on the challenge of adapting Cheeno Marlo Sayuno’s acclaimed children’s book for the stage, he did something remarkable: he transformed a gentle bedtime story into a rich, layered theatrical work that speaks directly to the soul. Ekis masterfully honors the innocence of the original tale while expanding its emotional horizons, weaving a narrative that holds space for both childlike wonder and profound adult reflection.
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| Photo by May Celeste |
On the surface, it’s a tender story about young Laya learning the Pandanggo sa Ilaw. Beneath that delicate layer, however, lies a deeply resonant meditation on grief, historical memory, and the enduring strength of family ties set against the haunting backdrop of the 1981 Manila Film Center tragedy.
A Magical Beginning
From the very first moment, the opening act hits you with an absolute “WOW” factor. It signals immediately that we are in for an extraordinary treat. Right off the bat, the staging weaves a magical atmosphere that sets the tone for the entire show, pulling the audience straight into its world with effortless grace.
Visionary Craftsmanship Behind the Scenes
Much of this magic comes down to the brilliant creative direction and production design:
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| Photo by May Celeste |
Jonathan Tadioan guides the narrative with a steady, compassionate hand, striking a delicate balance between light and dark, collective trauma and personal healing. Al Bernard Garcia's choreography made each movement nothing short of visceral. What I loved most is how Filipino dance references were seamlessly woven throughout the performance. Instead of feeling forced or "in your face," the traditional elements were extraordinarily subtle, organic, and deeply effective. Marco Viana’s visual aesthetic frames the narrative beautifully, using texture, light, and shadow to create a world where memory and reality continuously meet.
Stellar Performances That Pull at the Heartstrings
The cast delivers performances filled with truth, vulnerability, and sheer brilliance:
Wincess Jem Yana (as Laya) is an absolute force of nature. She captures the innocence, curiosity, and emotional weight of her character with breathtaking precision. Her performance is full of life, beauty, and quiet strength, you can't take your eyes off her as she navigates Laya's journey, making every step of her dance feel deeply personal and deeply moving.
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| Photo by Andrea Estrella |
Playing Kala, Ynna Rafa delivers a performance of extraordinary emotional gravity and warmth. She radiates a heartfelt, grounding presence that elevates every single scene she is in. The sheer depth, sensitivity, and vulnerability she brings to Kala form the emotional spine of the story, leaving the audience entirely spellbound.
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| Photo by May Celeste |
I have always admired Shiela Valderrama's crystal-clear voice, whether delivering lines in Tagalog or English, her vocal clarity is second to none. But beyond her vocal prowess, her performance here was profoundly truthful and emotionally grounded. Noel Rayos brings a captivating presence to the stage, grounding his character with subtle intensity and nuanced emotional depth that provides a powerful counterweight in key moments of the story.
Holding Onto the Light
What makes Sayaw Ng Mga Ilaw so impactful is how relatable its core message remains. We all carry fragile, flickering lights—memories of those we’ve lost, unfulfilled dreams, or shared community grief. The production reminds us that keeping those flames alive requires focus, grace, and a willingness to step through the dark together.
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| Photo from Kalasag |
It isn't just theatre; it’s a warm, gentle embrace for anyone trying to find their footing after a loss.
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