Full-theatrical performance takes inspiration from pop culture, classics

XPOSIS, a collection of reimagined and refashioned excerpts of renowned films, bestselling novels and popular songs, will be staged starting 30 November to 1 December at the 5/F Theater of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Design + Arts Campus.

The full-length presentation will showcase the unique composition studies of SCENO20 Productions, homegrown talents from the Production Design Program of the DLS-CSB School of Arts, Culture and Performance. It aims to challenge the limitations of theater by adapting and reconstructing their chosen entertainment and art forms into new creations.

The 90-minute play is directed by industry expert and Benilde Theater Arts Program chairperson Tuxqs Rutaquio. It is co-directed by student and dramaturg Mikaella Yoj Sanchez. 

The amalgamation includes remade classic tragedies, such as Spring Awakening by German dramatist Frank Wedekind and Faust I and Faust II by German playwright Johann Wolfgang.

They were ignited by the uplifting stories that represented women’s struggle in Little Women by American writer Louisa May Alcott and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by American author Taylor Jenkins Reid.

They were also inspired by the famous poem “Inferno” by Italian poet Dante Alighieri as well as the literary work Summer Solstice by Filipino National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin.

Other influences include the science fiction adaptation of Frankenstein from the book of English novelist Mary Shelley, the historical thriller The Handmaiden by South Korean producer Park Chan-wook, the action-comedy Now You See Me written by Edward Ricourt, Ed Solomon and Boaz Yakin and mystery Black Mirror: Bandersnatch by filmmaker David Slade.

The famous animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender by animator Michael Di Martino and the limited television soap opera Andor from the epic space media franchise Star Wars saga developed by philanthropist George Lucas Jr. also served as influences.

The video game The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess released by multinational company Nintendo likewise motivated them to build their concept.

Benildean trailblazer Psalm Reiner Dayrit’s devised piece Apat na Buwang Kapaskuhan was motivated by the Christmas albums Diwang Paskuhan and Joy: A Choral Celebration of Christmas by the award-winning choir University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers.

SCENO20 Productions is comprised of Rishah Marie Añonuevo, Beatrice Marie Arreola, Heather Francine Canlas, Dayrit, Alec Andrea Del Rosario, Katrina Gabrielle Garcia and Ronna Clariz Ituralde.

Completing the roster are Shaniqua Joy Kalaw, Matthew Dylan Lopez, Therese Ingrid Malapad, Francine Gabrielle Pedreno, Clarissa Santos, Yna Sophia Torres and Yachuy Betita Nicole Villaflores. 

Tickets are available at P350.

The artists will also hold a gallery exhibit of their final outputs through maquette, props and costumes. It will be on view beginning 4 December until 14 December at the 6/F Black Box of the D+A Campus.