REVIEW: REP's 'Jepoy and the Magic Circle' will leave you spellbound
Repertory Philippines’ (REP) past, present, and future converged at last week’s inauguration of the company’s new home, the REP Eastwood Theater at the Eastwood City Walk in Quezon City.
Located on the 4th floor of Eastwood City’s Eastwood City Walk, the theater is the latest in Megaworld’s efforts to provide guests with world-class entertainment and lifestyle options. Constructed to build on past achievements, while pushing the company in exciting new directions, the gala audience was greeted upon entry by tributes to REP’s founders, and posters celebrating 57 years of productions.
The evening doubled as the premiere of REP’s latest play, Jepoy and the Magic Circle, an original musical fantasy based on a short story by Gilda Cordero-Fernando (A Wilderness of Sweets), and translated to English by Rody Vera (Ismail at Isabel), with music and lyrics by Ejay Yatco (Buruguduystunstugudunstuy).
The play opens with master of ceremonies Paqui (Stephen Viñas, Ang Huling El Bimbo), a duwende who introduces some of the endangered animals we’ll be encountering throughout the story. Following an interactive musical back and forth with Paqui, we’re introduced to the titular Jepoy (Yhuan Gatbunton, Batang Rizal), a destitute outcast teased for being the son of a kapre. Accompanied by his dog Galis (choreographer Francis Gatmaytan, Lam-Ang), Jepoy lives a simple life with his mother Aling Barang (Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Fun Home), who works as a washerwoman for the residents of a nearby town.
When Aling Barang faces the loss of her livelihood to modernization, Jepoy will find himself traveling between his home and the underworld, a fantastical realm populated by characters and creatures from Philippine myth, realized through vivid performances enhanced via fanciful costumes, puppets, and lighting design.
Shining through the veritable menagerie of indigenous animals, insects, and ocean life, the story is grounded by Jepoy’s journey, depicted with gusto by the likable Gatbunton. At one point, the stage is occupied by upwards of 25 individually performed aswang, duwende, and other assorted creatures, including a towering duwende with ties to Jepoy that will tug at your heartstrings.
Prior to the show, REP President Mindy Perez-Rubio welcomed the audience, thanking Megaworld Corporation for their support and speed in developing the new venue.
Addressing the crowd of REP alumni, media, and invited guests, Perez-Rubio revealed, “If someone told me [last March] that Repertory would be moving to Eastwood in October, I would never have believed that person… [We had no home]. We were taking one day at a time. But then, I guessed God answered my prayers.”
 founder Joy Virata joined the cast for their curtain call (Photo by Mikhail Lecaros).jpg)
Perez-Rubio’s sentiments were affirmed by Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) founder Joy Virata, who said, “Thank you for providing our actors a chance to keep honing their craft. [It’s] what we love to do, our lifeblood, our passion, and everything that has kept us going throughout the decades.”
As REP’s 464th production in 57 years, Jepoy and the Magic Circle is a treat for the senses that the whole family can enjoy. This heartwarming tale emphasizes the value of friendship and respect for all creatures, no matter how weird or outlandish they may appear. As directed by Virata, the play wears its heart on its sleeve, with the creators’ affection for Philippine folklore apparent all throughout.
Packed with energetic performances and eye-popping production values, Jepoy is sure to delight younger audiences while serving as an excellent introduction to the wonders of the stage.
As the company’s 464th production in 57 years, Jepoy and the Magic Circle perfectly encapsulates why REP has endured for so long, while simultaneously proving that, regardless of where they’re housed, Repertory Philippines’ brand of theater is alive, well, and—yes—magical as ever.
Jepoy and the Magic Circle is onstage now at REP Eastwood Theater, 4th Floor, Citywalk Eastwood City. Tickets are available at Ticketworld.