Eula Valdez and Martin del Rosario Reunite on Stage in REX This November 2026

October 14, 2026

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde reimagines Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex as a contemporary Filipino tragedy confronting corruption, political dynasties, and failed public infrastructure.

What happens when a Greek tragedy written more than two thousand years ago meets the political realities of present-day Philippines?

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through its School of Arts, Culture and Performance (SACP), presents REX, a contemporary Filipino adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, running from November 12 to 22, 2026, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.

Headlining the production are acclaimed actors Eula Valdez and Martin del Rosario, who reunite in a theatrical production 12 years after their critically acclaimed film Dagitab (2014), for which both received Gawad Urian recognition.

Written by Palanca Hall of Famer Joshua Lim So and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, REX transforms the ancient Greek tragedy into a story that confronts some of the Philippines’ most pressing social and political concerns.

A Greek Tragedy Set in Contemporary Philippines

While Sophocles’ original work follows King Oedipus as he searches for the cause of a plague devastating his kingdom, REX replaces the ancient catastrophe with a crisis that feels disturbingly familiar to Filipino audiences.

Set in the fictional city of Tebes, the story revolves around the Po family and their construction company, St. Paul the Apostle Constructions.

When torrential rains claim the lives of more than a hundred citizens, questions emerge about the city's infrastructure and those responsible for protecting its people.

As the Po family struggles to preserve its interests, long-buried secrets begin to surface, exposing the devastating consequences of corruption, political power, and the pursuit of self-preservation.

Through its reinterpretation of the classical narrative, REX examines flood control failures, questionable public infrastructure projects, and political dynasties—issues that continue to shape conversations about accountability and governance in the Philippines.

The production draws parallels between the tragic consequences of Oedipus' actions and the collective suffering that can arise when those in power place personal interests ahead of public welfare.

Eula Valdez and Martin del Rosario Lead the Cast

REX brings together seasoned performers and emerging theater artists in a collaboration that connects professional practice with academic training.

Joining Valdez and del Rosario are professional actors Bong Cabrera, Sheryll Ceasico, Emilio Macabantad, and EJ Jallorina, alongside student performers from Benilde's Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts program.

Jallorina, known for being part of Goin' Bulilit, takes on the role of a transgender woman, continuing the actor's advocacy for authentic queer representation and challenging stereotypes in Philippine entertainment.

The production also marks a notable reunion for Valdez and del Rosario, whose performances in Dagitab earned critical recognition in Philippine independent cinema.

A Collaboration of Benildean Artists

REX is also a major institutional collaboration involving Benildean students, faculty members, alumni, and industry professionals.

The production brings together talents from Theater Arts, Production Design, Dance, Music Production, Multimedia Arts, Photography, and Creative Industries Management, allowing students to work alongside established theater practitioners.

Playwright Joshua Lim So is a faculty member of Benilde's Digital Film program, while director Tuxqs Rutaquio serves as chair of its Theater Arts program.

The creative team includes Christine Crame as Movement Designer, Jose Joaquin Aranda as Lighting Designer, TJ Martinez as Sound Designer and Engineer, Phillip Domingo as Costume Designer, and Ces Valera as Projection Designer.

The production management team includes 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.

Through this collaboration, REX provides an opportunity for aspiring theater professionals to participate in a full-scale production while contributing to a work that addresses contemporary Philippine society.

REX runs from November 12 to 15 and November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.

Opening and press night is scheduled for November 12 at 7:00 PM, followed by gala night on November 13 at 7:00 PM. Performances on November 14, 15, 21, and 22 will be held at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, while the November 19 and 20 shows are scheduled for 7:00 PM.

The production has an estimated running time of one hour and 45 minutes.

The 300-seat venue offers three seating categories: Trono ni Rex (VIP Center Elevated Bleachers), Tanaw ng Tebes (Front Floor Level), and Sa Gilid ng Lihim (Side Seating).

Tickets are available to the general public, as well as Benilde students, faculty, and alumni, through Ticket2Me.net.

Ticket claiming begins one hour before each performance, while theater doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

For additional information, follow Benilde Arts on Facebook at facebook.com/benildearts and Instagram at @benildearts.