Acclaimed children’s book ‘Sayaw ng mga Ilaw’ becomes Tanghalang Pilipino musical

The Juan Ekis adaptation of Cheeno Marlo Sayuno’s Martial Law-era story opens Sept. 18 AT 8 PM.

Cheeno Marlo Sayuno’s acclaimed children’s book “Sayaw ng mga Ilaw” is making its way to the stage as a new Tanghalang Pilipino musical, with its first performance set for tonight, Sept. 18, at 8 PM at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex.

Written by playwright Juan Ekis, the musical adapts Sayuno’s story of nine-year-old Laya, whose dream of learning the Pandanggo-Oasiwas dance is upended when her construction worker father suddenly disappears.

Set during the Martial Law era, “Sayaw ng mga Ilaw” explores hope and loss through the eyes of a child navigating a dark chapter in Philippine history.

The musical also references the 1981 Manila Film Center collapse, when scaffolding gave way during construction, reportedly killing about 170 workers.

Ekis, a five-time Palanca Award winner, is best known for “Twenty Questions” and Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Pingkian: Isang Musikal,” which tells the story of revolutionary Emilio Jacinto.

Composer Krina Cayabyab wrote the musical’s score. She previously composed “Sa Duyan ng Bayan” for the 2023 film “Gomburza,” which won Best Original Soundtrack Recording at the 2024 PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

Wincess Jem Yana and Annika Co will alternate in the lead role of Laya throughout the production’s run.

Yana previously appeared in Tanghalang Pilipino’s stage adaptation of “Sandosenang Sapatos.” For Co, “Sayaw ng mga Ilaw” marks her first Tanghalang Pilipino musical after starring as Lucy in Trumpets Playshop’s “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” earlier this year.

Noel Rayos, who portrayed Hesus in “Pilato,” joins the cast as Tatay Ondeng, while Shiela Valderrama plays Nanay Lucia.

“Sayaw ng mga Ilaw” runs until Oct. 11.

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