'Walang Aray' musical to stage fierce comeback this August
The revived production is set to run from August 29 to October 12, with 38 shows scheduled at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City.
A modern adaptation of Severino Reyes' zarzuela "Walang Sugat," "Walang Aray" reclaims the Filipino classic and reimagines it for a new generation through irreverent humor, gender-inclusive casting, contemporary music, and political commentary.
As the main feature of PETA's 58th Season themed 'Love and Power,' the musical is more than just a show — it's a movement.
"'Walang Aray' remains to be a relevant theatrical piece for every Filipino trying to live, love, learn, heal, and fight back in a world full of aray,' says J-mee Katanyag, PETA's new artistic director.
'This version doesn't pretend we are unhurt. It acknowledges na may sugat, may aray mula sa kasaysayan, sa lipunan, sa pamilya. And that these wounds may change form over time, but they remain.'
Casting
Perhaps the most radical act of this revival lies in its casting. By centering LGBTQIA+ performers in major roles, PETA boldly redefines what love and who gets to experience it.
Lance Reblando, a dynamic non-binary performer, steps into the lead role of Julia. Their casting isn't just symbolic — it expands the narrative possibilities of Filipino theater and brings nuance and representation into the heart of the story.
The production also features new cast members Rendell Sanchez (Miguel), Divine Aucina (Monica), Gold Villar-Lim(Juana), and Roi Calilong (Padre Alfaro), alongside beloved veterans like Gio Gahol, Shaira Opsimar, Jon Abella, and Marynor Madamesila.
Philippine pop icons Jolina Magdangal and Ice Seguerra bring star power and theatrical flair to the roles of Doña Juana and Lucas, respectively.
With two full casts rotating across the show's run, Seguerra calls the experience 'double the brilliance, double the chaos, and double the heart.'
Art as advocacy
More than just entertainment, "Walang Aray" asserts that true revolution begins with radical empathy and the courage to love beyond social constructs. It embraces the beauty of non-binary perspectives, diverse identities, and stories from the margins, making them central to our collective healing.
'Kahit may sugat, may saya. Kahit may aray, may pagmamahal. And when we choose to stand and love louder — tumindig at umibig pa more — there is hope. There is healing,' Katanyag said.
'The return of 'Walang Aray' is more than a theater run. It's a cultural moment. A celebration of identities. A reminder that love will always be the most powerful revolution."
"Walang Aray" will run from August 29 to October 12 at the PETA Theater Center.
Tickets are now available via Ticket2Me.net. —Sherylin Untalan/CDC, GMA Integrated News
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