Mulagat Will Scare You Into an Early Halloween Mood

             

           “Wide open” is the word’s English translation, if you look it up. This six-part saga written by director Eric Dela Cruz was also directed by him. The process involved the former PETA Kalinangan Ensemble member writing without any lights on so he would feel scared as well. Originally staged in 2012 in College of St. Benilde’s Black Box Theater, the production had a successful run which prompted Taxi Theater headed by Dela Cruz to restage it.

     Taxi Theater, a performing group leaning towards experimentation, utilizes “a creative process of synthesizing art and science through collaboration with practitioners from various disciplines – becoming XPGINEERS (Experience Engineers) and IMAGITECTS (Imagination Architects) – to extend audience engagement and deliver unique theatrical experiences.”

     Timothy Castillo, known for his diabolical turn in Violator (Cinema One Originals 2014) as a mysterious boy who may or may not be possessed, is one of the three guys alternating as the lead character Nico. Ike Castro and Japoy Dones also play the senior architecture student who goes snooping around like Sherlock Holmes to find out the source of the noises outside his room which woke him up. He comes across a young girl searching for her brother and this results in a journey into the darkness scarier than Resident Evil and Silent Hill combined.

      Other cast members include Denise Nayve, Cathrine Go, Jasper Jimenez Dylan Ray Talon, Doori Chin, and Kyle Confesor. Among the consultants of TAXI Theater are Erick Dasig Aguilar, Dexter Dela Peña, Al Gabriel, Olive Nieto, and Anril Titatco.

      The online trailer which can be found on Youtube includes a public advisory: “This play is not for the weak hearted. Persons with heart conditions, fear of the dark, sensitivity to strobe lighting, and phobias toward the supernatural are not advised to watch this play. Watch at your own risk. The Production will not be held for any mental disturbance resulting from watching this play.”

       If you dare to plunge into the darkness, tickets may still be purchased for the following showdates: Oct. 16 (8PM), 21-23 (4PM & 8PM), and 28-29 (4PM & 8PM). For inquiries, you may call or text 09084854983 or message www.facebook.com/taxitheater.