Repertory Theater for Young Audiences’ Jepoy and the Magic Circle, directed by founder Joy Virata, opens a thrilling new era for Repertory Philippines. Debuting at the brand-new REP Theater in Citywalk, Eastwood City, this children’s musical highlights fresh Filipino talent while marking a deeper commitment to material that celebrates local culture.
This exciting debut signals the company’s deeper focus on Filipino-centered material, blending the vibrancy of local culture with the universal appeal of theater. As REP President and CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio puts it, “We’re proud to celebrate a new dawn for REP with a production that puts Filipino culture and heritage front and center, enriching lives through the magic of theater.”
With a script by Palanca Hall of Fame playwright Rody Vera, whose works continue to shape popular Filipino consciousness, and original music by the brilliant EJ Yatco, this adaptation of Gilda Cordero-Fernando’s beloved The Magic Circle immerses audiences in a world where magic, music, and myth come to life.
Are you ready for an adventure with Jepoy yet? Read on!
- A Multidimensional Theater Extravaganza
How did RTYA manage to create a vortex that feels so real, audiences in the front row might think they’re about to be sucked into the netherworld without even a Doctor Strange in sight?
Jepoy and the Magic Circle is a masterfully crafted adaptation, blending adventure, fantasy, and Filipino mythology dexterously alternating live action, animation, special effects, video projection, and creative lighting in a 500-seat theater! Reviving REP’s iconic home at Onstage Greenbelt 1, this extravaganza fills every corner of this vast space with magical energy that combines old-world storytelling with modern theatrical innovations.
Layered scrims cleverly transform through ingenious lighting and projections, shifting from theater curtains to translucent screens casting shadows, creating layers of simultaneous actions on stage. The true spectacle lies in the high-tech laser play and projections combining to form a lifelike vortex that pulls Jepoy and his mischievous dog Galís into a fantastical third world beneath a massive balete tree—set within the forest outskirts, a second world far removed from the first world of the gated town proper.
Step into this magical kingdom, where four worlds collide and coexist. Feel how the realm of the audience fluidly merges with, yet sharply breaks away from, the world of Jepoy, the wealthy townsfolk, and the mysterious netherworld. This seamless interplay of realities creates a breathtaking theatrical experience that will leave you both gasping in awe and utterly spellbound.
- A Multisensory Buffet of Sounds and Colors
How did RTYA bring to life the fantastical creatures of Filipino lower mythology to such a grand scale, with towering tikbalangs, flying manananggals, and minuscule tiyanaks and duwendes?
Jepoy and the Magic Circle tests the limits of traditional children’s theater—or any musical for that matter—by offering not just eye candy, but an immersive sensory experience through interactive sequences, innovative fashion, sensational music, and spirited choreography, all seamlessly integrated into a delightful feast for the soul. These elements harmonize with the exceptional voices, movements, and performances of RTYA’s fresh talents, creating a stage that overflows with creativity, energy, and emotion.
But the show offers more than just eye candy and captivating music—the sound system is clear as ice! At its core, Jepoy and the Magic Circle taps into deeper themes of coming of age, love for family, respect for equality, and love for nature. The magical creatures, though extraordinary and colorful, embody lessons on acceptance, courage, kindness, and environmental responsibility. Such timeless values thread the narrative into a musical treatise that resonates with both children and adults.
- An Interactive Lesson on Environmental Concern
While Jepoy and the Magic Circle is a whimsical adventure, it also delivers a thoughtful message about environmental conservation. The magical creatures Jepoy encounters, especially the kapre grieving over his lost forest, symbolize the urgent need to protect nature. In a world increasingly affected by deforestation and environmental degradation, the play gently reminds audiences of their responsibility to care for the planet.
More than just vibrant visuals and enchanting music—with a crystal-clear sound system enhancing every word and note—the fantasy holds a deeply resonant core. Beneath its whimsical characters and magical displays, Jepoy and the Magic Circle explores themes of coming of age, family love, equality, and environmental care. The magical creatures serve as allegories, teaching lessons of acceptance, courage, and kindness, making the show not only an enchanting spectacle but also a profound experience that resonates with both children and adults.
The marginalized creatures, feared or misunderstood, symbolize those who face rejection in society. Despite their differences, they share the universal need for respect and belonging. Beyond the dazzling production lies a heartfelt message: love and understanding transcend appearances, showing that even the “weird” and “different” deserve recognition.
Designed for children but rich in themes for adults, the production uses the timeless appeal of folklore to speak about contemporary issues. It’s a vivid, entertaining, and timely reminder that, even through fantasy, we can all learn about our role in preserving nature.
Playdates and Ticket Information
Jepoy and the Magic Circle runs on the following dates at REP Eastwood Theater:
- October: 11 and 18, 1:30 p.m.; 23, 24, and 29, 10:30 a.m.; 27, 4:30 p.m.; 26, 6 p.m.
- November: 9 and 24, 1:30 p.m.
- December: 15, 1:30 p.m.
Ticket Prices:
- PHP 1,500 for Orchestra Loge
- PHP 1,000 for Orchestra Side
Catch this delightful production at REP Eastwood Theater, 4th Floor, City Walk, Eastwood City. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of Filipino folklore through a magical and heartfelt musical adventure!
Meet the Creative Team Behind the Magic
Directed by: Phylita Joy Virata
Book by: Gilda Cordero-Fernando
Music and Lyrics by: Ejay Yatco
Adaptation by: Rody Vera
Set Design by: Mio Infante
Lighting Design by: John Batalla
Choreography by: Stephen Viñas
Video Design by: GA Fallarme
Costume Design by: Raven Ong
Puppetry by: Kayla Teodoro
Associate Direction by: Cara Barredo
Costume Associate: Hershee Tantiado
Wigs and Makeup by: Johann dela Fuente
With its mesmerizing storytelling, engaging audience participation, and vibrant performances, Jepoy and the Magic Circle not only celebrates Filipino folklore but also gently imparts lessons about our environment.
Don’t miss this chance to journey into an enchanted world of heritage and fantasy—get your tickets now and be part of this magical experience!
