Eula Valdez, Martin del Rosario star in reimagined ‘Oedipus Rex’

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) is set to stage a reimagining of the classic Greek tragedy “Oedipus Rex.”

Titled “Rex,” the production will run from November 12 to 22 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.

The cast is led by Eula Valdez and Martin del Rosario, who reunite after appearing together in the acclaimed 2014 independent film “Dagitab.”

They are joined by professional actors Bong Cabrera, Sheryll Ceasico, Emilio Macabantad and EJ Jallorina, alongside student actors from the college’s theater arts program.

Presented by DLS-CSB’s School of Arts, Culture and Performance, the production brings together students from various academic programs, including theater arts, production design, dance and music production, to demonstrate how “academic learning integrates with professional stagecraft,” according to a press release.

The show is written by Palanca Hall of Famer Joshua Lim So, also a faculty member in DLS-CSB’s digital film program, and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, who also chairs the theater arts program.

“Rex” places “Oedipus Rex” in a contemporary Filipino context, shifting the focus from a divine plague to pressing social issues such as flood control failures, questionable public infrastructure projects and political dynasties.

Set in the city of Tebes, “Rex” follows a family that owns a construction company as torrential rains leave hundreds dead in the city. As the family struggles to protect its interests, long-buried secrets come to light, exposing how systemic corruption among leaders can lead to collective tragedy.

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.