Repertory Philippines (REP) celebrates its new home with the debut of Jepoy and the Magic Circle, an enchanting children’s musical that brings Filipino folklore to life

Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos courtesy of Repertory Philippines
October 10, 2024

Repertory Philippines (REP) has long been known for fostering the talents of emerging Filipino artists. Staying true to its mission, REP once again welcomes artists of all ages into a space they can call home, while reimagining Filipino folklore in its latest show, Jepoy and the Magic Circle.

Jepoy and The Magic Circle

Directed by Joy Virata, Jepoy and The Magic Circle is an interactive fantasy musical for children of all ages, based on the Palanca award-winning short story The Magic Circle. The English adaptation was written by playwright Rody Vera, with Ejay Yatco serving as the musical director.

Featuring beloved Filipino folklore characters such as the kapre, tikbalang, aswang, duwende, and diwata, the musical emphasizes the importance of environmental preservation, with each character serving as a guardian of their natural habitat.

This one-of-a-kind musical offers an unforgettable experience, blending entertainment with audience participation. During the performance, glowing animals roam the darkened theater, creating an interactive atmosphere for both children and adults. Even the main characters engage with the audience, sparking curiosity and conversation.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to gain an appreciation of their Filipino culture and heritage, understand the importance of caring for the environment, and, of course, experience quality children’s theater,” said Virata.

Jepoy and The Magic Circle successfully conveys a powerful message of environmental stewardship and celebrates individuality through performance art, while shining a spotlight on the immense talents of Filipino artists.

The New Home of Repertory Philippines

In a significant milestone, REP has relocated to a new home that will nurture the talents of its artists. This move marks a new chapter for the organization, as it continues to provide a welcoming space for theater enthusiasts and performers to flourish.

“We’re proud to celebrate a new dawn for REP with a production that puts our Filipino culture and heritage front and center, as we look forward to enriching more lives through the power and magic of theater,” said REP President and CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio.

The new home of Repertory Philippines is now located on the 4th floor of Eastwood Theater at City Walk, Quezon City.

The Power and Magic of Theater

The inauguration night was a celebration of the transformative power of theater. REP once again demonstrated how performance art can inspire, influence, and mobilize people—especially the youth—to champion important causes and create a better future.

Jepoy and The Magic Circle will continue to run until February 2025.