THE ACTORS OF ‘LIWANAG SA DILIM’ URGE US TO REVISIT THE PAST TO MAKE SENSE OF THE PRESENT

We have a rich history. With how fast-paced life has become, along with the rise of disinformation and historical revisionism, we often forget the importance of looking back at our past to guide us in making a better future.

- By MARGA ANCHETA

We have a rich history. With how fast-paced life has become, along with the rise of disinformation and historical revisionism, we often forget the importance of looking back at our past to guide us in making a better future. Liwanag sa Dilim, a new original Filipino musical with book and direction by Robbie Guevara, features the nostalgic music of Rico Blanco to retell our history and remind us that we hold the key to our future.

The musical follows Elesi (played alternately by Anthony Rosaldo and Khalil Ramos), an orphan trying to discover the secrets of his past. The rest of the musical is best kept under wraps; while it’s a story we’ve known since childhood, it’s best enjoyed when uncovered along with Elesi.

As the musical approaches its final weekend, Young STAR sat down with seasoned theater performers Nicole Omillo, CJ Navato and Anthony Rosaldo to talk about Liwanag sa Dilim and how it impacts how we look at our past and future. Newcomers Lucylle Tan, Denzel Chang and Brianna Bunagan also share how their past has impacted their theatrical debut.

(NOTE: Contains spoilers for Liwanag sa Dilim.)

THE LEADS BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE

YOUNG STAR: What was the experience like, getting to tell a familiar story through the contemporary music of Rico Blanco?

NICOLE OMILLO: It’s amazing how stories and songs, even from completely different times, can come together so naturally, almost as if they were made for each other. There’s something magical about music. No matter the situation, it always seems to find a way to resonate with what you’re feeling or what the story is going through.

CJ NAVATO: Since the story has been told time and time again, I took it as a challenge to put my own refreshing take on Crisostomo Ibarra and how he was written for this play. It’s Rizal in the flesh; (he put) himself into a story, into a character, and I feel very honored to be chosen to play this role.