Repertory Philippines is opening the doors to a new chapter.
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the theater group mounted the debut of Jepoy & the Magic Circle at the REP Eastwood Theater in Quezon City.
This first production in their new home is a delightful and culturally rich tale that captivates audiences of all ages. It takes the audience on a journey full of wonder with a heartfelt message about embracing your own identity while preserving the environment.
Jepoy & the Magic Circle introduces us to Jepoy, a young, spirited boy who lives in a modest home on the edge of a vast forest with his mother, Aling Barang.
Jepoy has grown up as an outsider, shunned by the villagers because of his family's humble means and his father’s mysterious disappearance years earlier.
One night, Jepoy runs after his dog Galis, who runs into the forest. There, he stumbles into a magical ring of light, a “magic circle” that takes him to a vibrant realm where friendly creatures from Filipino folklore—like the tikbalang, manananggal, and the wise duwende—welcome Jepoy with open arms.
Through their companionship, Jepoy discovers the truth about his father and, in the process, learns valuable lessons about courage, community, and the importance of respecting nature.
stellar performances
Elian Dominguez, playing Jepoy, brings an effortless charm and relatability to his role. His warmth and sincerity make him the ideal guide for audiences navigating this magical realm.
The entire ensemble cast shines alongside Elian, with special mention to the actors portraying Jepoy’s loyal dog sidekick.
Francis Gatmaytan, the show’s assistant choreographer, has an infectious energy as the real-world Galis.
Cara Barredo, also the show’s assistant director, is effortlessly funny as the underworld form of Galis.
Ring Antonio as Aling Barang, Jepoy’s mom, has a heart-tugging moment as she tells Jepoy about her past, while Pinky Marquez, as Doña Etang, brings the house down with a funny number about washing machines.
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outstanding production
What sets Jepoy & the Magic Circle apart is the visual and technical magic brought to life by the production team.
The REP Eastwood Theater’s new stage transforms beautifully into Jepoy’s enchanted world, thanks to a clever mix of puppetry, projection, and striking lighting techniques.
At the heart of this production is the vision of director Joy Virata. Her skillful direction brings Filipino myths and creatures into a relatable space, allowing viewers to see normally grotesque characters like the tikbalang and manananggal in a new, endearing light.
The puppetry by Kayla Teodoro is breathtaking, giving life to folklore creatures in ways that feel both grand and intimate. Each puppet, from the pawikan to the duwende, is crafted with intricate detail, allowing the audience to see expressions and movements that make these mythical creatures seem real and approachable.
The projections by GA Fallarme and set design by Mio Infante, too, are enchanting, creating landscapes that transport the audience from a dark, dangerous forest to mysterious realms. This helps build the sense that the audience is traveling alongside Jepoy.
Costume design by Raven Ong also deserves praise for its creativity. Every character, both human and mythical, is dressed in a way that brings out the essence of their personality and cultural roots.
Aling Barang’s simple attire, for example, contrasts with the ornate, colorful garb of the mythical beings. This visual shows the divide between Jepoy’s world and the realm of the folklore creatures while creating a seamless blend of fantasy and Filipino culture.
Music and lyrics by Ejay Yatco also enhance the story’s appeal. These tunes are earworms that echo long after the curtain falls, and it’s easy to imagine audiences humming them all the way home.
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room for improvement
While the REP Eastwood Theater’s debut production is indeed magical, the new space still has room for technical fine-tuning. At times, the sound was slightly muffled, which made it difficult to catch certain dialogue and musical nuances.
Another area for potential enhancement lies in the pacing towards the climax of the show. As the story approaches its resolution, the plot twists and big reveals arrive quickly, making some moments feel rushed.
A slight pause here, particularly in scenes between Jepoy and a surprise character tied to his past, would allow for more emotional depth. Slowing down these scenes could offer the characters a touching, one-on-one moment that further elevates the story’s heartwarming conclusion.
Beyond its enchanting visuals and dynamic performances, Jepoy & the Magic Circle imparts a powerful message about environmental stewardship and respect for all creatures. The forest, a recurring symbol throughout the show, is presented not just as a setting but as a character in itself, with its preservation as an underlying theme.
The show encourages young viewers to value the natural world and reminds everyone of the importance of safeguarding our heritage, culture, and environment.
Jepoy & the Magic Circle will run in REP Eastwood Theater in Quezon City until February 2025.