23 October 2026
Questionable infrastructure projects, flood control failures, and the consequences of unchecked power take center stage in REX, a Filipino adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex.
Produced by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde through the School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP), REX reimagines the work of Greek dramatist Sophocles for a contemporary Filipino audience. The production comes from Joshua Lim So, a Palanca Hall of Fame awardee and Benilde Film faculty member, and Tuxqs Rutaquio, acclaimed director, set designer, and Chairperson of the Benilde Theater Arts Program.
The one-hour-and-45-minute play follows the Po family and their company, St. Paul the Apostle Constructions, in the city of Tebes. After torrential rains leave more than a hundred citizens dead, the family scrambles to protect its interests as buried secrets begin to surface. As the story unfolds, the production examines how corruption and self-interest can shape the lives of entire communities.
REX draws inspiration from Oedipus Rex while placing its story in present-day Philippine realities. The production looks at how power is exercised, how accountability is avoided, and how ordinary people bear the consequences when those entrusted to lead place personal interests above the public good.
The production also gives students the opportunity to work on a full-scale stage project alongside faculty mentors, alumni, and industry professionals. This approach sits at the heart of the Theater Arts program, where classroom learning and live productions go hand in hand. Students gain experience in performance, directing, design, stage management, technical production, and creative collaboration while working on actual productions.
REX also draws talent from across the College. Students, faculty members, and alumni from the Theater Arts, Production Design, Dance, Music Production, Multimedia Arts, Photography, and Creative Industries Management programs all take part in the production, reflecting the collaborative nature of contemporary theater.
The cast is led by veteran actors Eula Valdez and Martin Del Rosario, who reunite on stage 12 years after both received Gawad Urian awards for their performances in the critically acclaimed independent film Dagitab (2014).
Joining them are Benildean performers and professional actors, including Benilde Theater Arts faculty member Bong Cabrera, alumnus Emilio Macabantad, stage actress Sheryll Ceasico, and former Goin’ Bulilit cast member EJ Jallorina.
The creative team includes Movement Designer Christine Crame, Lighting Designer Jose Joaquin Aranda, Sound Designer and Engineer TJ Martinez, Costume Designer Phillip Domingo, Projection Designer Ces Valera, and Poster Designer Carlo Vergara.
Leading the project are SACP Dean Magda De Leon as Lead Project Proponent, Project Manager Baha Vergara, Production Manager Irene Romero, Deputy Production Manager Hazel Gutierrez-Marges, Marketing and Promotions Manager Erri Rojo, Stage Manager Kate Loreno, Deputy Stage Manager Axl Fernandez, Technical Director Renz Sevilla, and Assistant Technical Director Dexter Sy.
REX joins a long line of notable stage productions presented through Benilde’s SACP programs. These include Palasyo ni Valentin starring Ricky Davao, the Filipino adaptation of Haring Lear led by the late Bernardo Bernardo, and Ding, Ang Bato!, a dance-theater interpretation of the iconic Mars Ravelo character Darna.
REX premieres on November 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit, Makati City. Gala Night follows on November 13 at 7:00 p.m.
The show continues on November 14 and 15 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., November 19 and 20 at 7:00 p.m., and November 21 and 22 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are available through Ticket2Me. VIP/Patron tickets are priced at ₱2,700, Deluxe/Premiere tickets at ₱2,300, and Standard tickets at ₱2,000.
For updates, visit facebook.com/benildearts or instagram.com/benildearts.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
