De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through its School of Arts, Culture and Performance (SACP), brings the ancient Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex into contemporary Philippine society with REX, a theatrical production running from November 12 to 22, 2026, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.
Bringing together Benildean students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals, the production highlights the college’s collaborative approach to theater-making while connecting academic training with professional stagecraft. It draws talent from various programs, including Theater Arts, Production Design, Dance, Music Production, Multimedia Arts, Photography, and Creative Industries Management.
Written by Palanca Hall of Famer and DLS-CSB Digital Film faculty member Joshua Lim So, and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, chair of the college’s Theater Arts program, REX adapts Sophocles’ classic tragedy to examine contemporary social issues in the Philippines.
Instead of centering on a divine plague, the production confronts the consequences of flood control failures, questionable public infrastructure, and political dynasties. Set in the city of Tebes, the story follows the Po family and its company, St. Paul the Apostle Constructions, as torrential rains leave more than 100 people dead. As the family attempts to protect its interests, buried secrets emerge, exposing how corruption among those in power can lead to widespread suffering.
The production’s creative team includes movement designer Christine Crame of Dance, lighting designer 
Jose Joaquin Aranda of Theater Arts, sound designer and engineer TJ Martinez of Music Production, costume designer Phillip Domingo, and projection designer Ces Valera. The team brings together faculty members, alumni, and practitioners whose expertise shapes the production’s visual, sonic, and physical elements.
Leading the production team are project manager Baha Vergara, production manager Irene Romero, deputy production manager Hazel Gutierrez-Marges, marketing and promotions manager Erri Rojo, stage manager Kate Loreno, deputy stage manager Axl Fernandez, technical director Renz Sevilla, and assistant technical director Dexter Sy.
The cast combines emerging performers from Benilde’s BA Theater Arts program with established stage and screen actors Eula Valdez and Martin Del Rosario. Their participation marks an onstage reunion 12 years after both received Gawad Urian awards for their performances in the independent film Dagitab (2014).
They are joined by Bong Cabrera, a Theater Arts faculty member, as well as Sheryll Ceasico, Theater Arts alumnus Emilio Macabantad, and EJ Jallorina.
Jallorina, a Goin’ Bulilit alumna who portrays a transgender woman in the production, continues to advocate for authentic queer representation and more nuanced portrayals of LGBTQIA+ characters in media and onstage.
Through its ensemble of student performers and seasoned artists, REX explores the intersection of power, accountability, and the human consequences of systemic corruption, using a classical tragedy to reflect on realities confronting Filipino communities today.
The production runs for approximately one hour and 45 minutes, with performances scheduled on November 12–15 and November 19–22, 2026. Shows on November 12, 13, 19, and 20 begin at 7 p.m., while performances on November 14, 15, 21, and 22 are scheduled at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are available to the general public, as well as Benilde students, faculty, and alumni, through Ticket2Me.net. Seating options include Trono ni Rex for VIP center elevated bleachers, Tanaw ng Tebes for front floor-level seating, and Sa Gilid ng Lihim for side seating.
Ticket claiming begins one hour before each performance, while theater doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
With REX, Benilde brings together education, professional practice, and social commentary in a theatrical adaptation that challenges audiences to confront the structures of power and the consequences of decisions made by those who govern.
