‘Mainstream’ actors embrace theater’s ‘ultimate test’
For years, the line dividing mainstream entertainment and theater has been clearly drawn, keeping TV and film actors, as well as stage performers, in their respective lanes. But according to director Robbie Guevara, the staging of “Liwanag sa Dilim” aims to blur that boundary.
The production’s “celebrity” cast—Alexa Ilacad, Khalil Ramos, Rita Daniela, Anthony Rosaldo, and CJ Navato—plays a key role in this shift, Guevara pointed out.
“I’m touched that Direk Robbie sees it that way—that I’m already contributing something just by being here,” Ilacad told Lifestyle when asked about Guevara’s statement. “I went into the audition not knowing anything. It was my first time leaving a pitching session without any idea what my role was going to be.” But she knew one thing—she wanted to sing Rico Blanco’s songs.
“I also feel that this is a way to reach Gen Z audiences and those who mainly consume mainstream entertainment—so they can see the magic of the stage,” added Ilacad, who alternates with Nicole Omillo in a role that has yet to be revealed.
Actor’s medium
For Ramos, theater is the ultimate test. “I wanted to try theater to see how far I can push myself as an actor. They always say theater is an actor’s medium, and I wanted to experience that,” he said.
While he has deep respect for his roots in TV and film, he added that he joined theater not as a celebrity but as a student of the craft. “I didn’t want to carry my TV and film background with me. I just wanted to learn,” said Ramos, who alternates with Rosaldo as Elesi. “Seeing my peers from the same industry flourish in theater makes me happy. But I hope we continue to uphold what makes theater special—its integrity, its process, and its dedication to storytelling.”
“I’m glad Direk Robbie sees it that way—an artist is an artist,” said Rosaldo. “Whether you come from TV, film, or theater, your core is the same: it’s all about performing.”
Rosaldo believes this shift is a game-changer. “We’re seeing more mainstream actors crossing over to theater, but we’re also seeing theater actors making waves in film and TV. Look at ‘Isang Himala’ making it to the big screen with an all-theater cast—that’s a breakthrough. It only means more opportunities for actors, regardless of where they started.”
Daniela took a step back from TV to focus on theater, mainly to spend more time with her 2-year-old son, Uno. “There were times I brought him to rehearsals, and they were all so welcoming,” she said.
She’s also excited about the collaboration between GMA 7, her home network, and ABS-CBN. “Anthony and I are from GMA, while Alexa, Khalil, and CJ are from ABS-CBN. But here, there are no labels. No ‘Kapuso’ or ‘Kapamilya.’ No ‘mainstream’ or ‘theater.’ We’re just actors playing our roles, and that’s how it should be.”
Navato, who transitioned to theater via “One More Chance, the Musical,” believes it’s all about finding balance. “TV is small and intimate, while in theater, everything is alive and exaggerated. The trick is finding the middle ground between the two. That’s what makes for a well-rounded actor.”
Navato, who alternates with Vien King as Cris, also supports the idea of more theater productions making their way to film. “‘Isang Himala’ did it, and it was a great idea. We need more of that,” he said, explaining that film’s wider reach can help spark greater interest in theater.
“Liwanag sa Dilim,” produced by 9Works Theatrical, opens March 7 at RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Tickets are available via ticket2me.net/LiwanagSaDilimMusical or through show buyers.
