Robbie Guevara talks about 'Liwanag sa Dilim'
MANILA -- After a long wait, the original Filipino musical, "Liwanag sa Dilim," featuring the songs of Rico Blanco, will soon to hit the stage on March 7, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
9 Works Theatrical's artistic director Robbie Guevara, who is also the writer and director of the musical, shared his thoughts about the upcoming production which will headline four male leads -- Khalil Ramos, Anthony Rosado, CJ Navato, and Vien King.
Since the title was once attached to the campaign of former vice president Leni Robredo in the 2022 presidential elections, Guevara admits that there's a hint of political flavor to the story.
"However, remember, this was written before the song was used in Leni’s campaign," he said.
So what is the plot of "Liwanag sa Dilim"?
"It is about a guy, Elesi, who was orphaned at a young age," Guevara began. "When his adopted parents die, he goes on a quest to find his past. Along the way, he meets another guy, Cris, who instantly becomes his friend, and joins him in his fight to help the oppressed and underprivileged."
According to him, he decided to turn Blanco’s songs into a musical using "the same formula with what I did for 'Eto na! Musikal nAPO!'"
"I examined the lyrics of each song and decided how to use it in a story. The tempo may change -- fast songs can become ballads, etc.. What’s important is the lyrics become dialogue -- with one’s self or with other characters," he said.
It took seven years to complete the material.
"I wrote this in 2018 for a 2020 release. We’re still re-writing, by the way," he added.
Asked which character in the musical resonated with him, Guevara said: "No one in particular. I put a little bit of myself in as many of the characters as possible."
"I can attach my sense of comedy to the one who is the comic relief, as well as write the political views into another character."
The other actors who will compose the impressive bevy of talents onstage are (in alphabetical order): Jon Abella, Paji Arceo, Brianna Bunagan, Arnel Carrion, Denzel Chang, Chez Cuenca, Rita Daniela, Boo Gabunada, Neomi Gonzales, Derrick Gozos, Alexa Ilacad, Jasper Jimenez, Rica Laguardia, Lani Ligot, Raul Montesa, Nicole Omillo, Lucylle Tan, Mark Tayag, and Iya Villanueva.