Meet ‘MAKARA:’ The new mythical monster taking over PH musical theater

Experience another chilling storytelling from Studio A Productions and from a point of view of Makara.

Following the critical acclaim of their debut musical “Kaning Itim,” Studio A Productions returns with its second major work, “MAKARA.”

The production runs on May 23 and 24 at The Proscenium in Rockwell, bringing a brand of dark fantasy to the heart of Makati. Known for its signature horror-driven, atmospheric storytelling, writer Danna Bernardino promises the “dark” staples audiences expect—this time, with a central love story at its core.

Who is Makara?

Though visually reminiscent of Medusa, Makara draws more from the Nagas of Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Her roots also trace through various lore—from H.P. Lovecraft’s serpent deity Yig to the Yuan-ti of “Dungeons & Dragons.” Often depicted with a human torso and serpentine tail, she embodies the line between human and monster, cursed and divine.

The creative team initially set out to craft a female character inspired by Medusa but took a different route. While Philippine pop culture already has Valentina, the iconic “Darna” villain, “MAKARA” aims to blend global myth with Filipino identity.

“We didn’t want Makara to be entirely equated with a foreign figure like Medusa,” Bernardino explains. “We wanted a character uniquely identifiable to Filipino audiences.”

Her name, drawn from Hindu mythology, refers to a sea creature often depicted with crocodile jaws, a fish tail, and elephant-like features. “She shares a likeness to Medusa,” Bernardino adds, “but carries a completely original soul.”

A bold new lead

In a daring move, Studio A casts newcomer Cherry Morena in the titular role, banking on her raw talent and the strength of the material.

While Makara’s crown of snakes is her most striking feature, Morena emphasizes the character’s humanity. “She still has a heart,” she says. “She knows how to love and feel. You could see her as an anti-hero—a bida-kontrabida—but at her core, she’s a lonely soul longing for her lost sister.”

That duality defines Makara’s tragedy. “She mattered to people. She was loved. She holds onto her sister—Haliya in the human world, Shamira in the snake world. She isn’t inherently evil.”

Morena’s path to theater came unexpectedly. Introduced to the industry in 2024 by Arnold Reyes, she initially pursued film before finding her footing on stage. After appearing in NDMStudio’s “Subtext The Musical,” she joined “Kaning Itim” as Sugar.

For Makara, she drew inspiration from a familiar anti-hero. “I channeled the regal, misunderstood nature of Maleficent,” she says, “but with a more serpentine fluidity.”

Defining Studio A Productions

As a rising force in local theater, Studio A Productions champions fresh talent and unconventional narratives over mainstream casting—though collaborations remain welcome.

The company thrives on experimentation, pushing boundaries with imaginative stories rarely seen on the Filipino stage. While its past works lean heavily into horror—“Mahilig lang kaming manakot,” Bernardino jokes—“MAKARA” marks an evolution.

Featuring 25 songs, the musical leans heavily on soliloquies, allowing characters to reveal their innermost thoughts directly to the audience. The device echoes classics like “Carousel” and “Sweeney Todd,” adding psychological depth to the production’s dark atmosphere.

Through this blend of emotion and spectacle, Studio A continues carving out a distinct niche in Philippine theater. Tickets to “MAKARA” are available via Studio A Productions’ website:
https://www.studioashows.com/productions/makara-the-musical

 

 

Her name, drawn from Hindu mythology, refers to a sea creature often depicted with crocodile jaws, a fish tail, and elephant-like features. ‘She shares a likeness to Medusa,’ Bernardino adds, ‘but carries a completely original soul.’

 

 

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