Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan by Jun Robles Lana will make its stage comeback in March 2025, its first in three decades. The 1993 drama, directed by Gawad Buhay awardee Tuxqs Rutaquio, will be performed at the PETA Theater Center. Ross Pesigan, Kate Alejandrino, and Martin del Rosario are among the cast members.
The original piece received the grand prize at the Bulwagang Gantimpala Playwriting Competition. At the Pacific Meridien International Film Festival in Russia, LJ Reyes won Best Actress and Lana won Best Director in the film’s 2015 remake, which had its world premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Additionally, the movie received recognition from the Gawad Urian Awards and the Kerala International Film Festival.
The upcoming production follows a casting process that brought together actors known for their work in both film and theater. Del Rosario has received acting honors from Gawad Urian and other award-giving bodies. Alejandrino is recognized for her performances in Bula sa Langit and Mga Mister ni Rosario, while Pesigan has been nominated for a Gawad Buhay award and participated in the Cannes Film Festival.
Director Rutaquio is an established figure in Philippine theater, having worked with Dulaang UP and Tanghalang Pilipino. He has been recognized for his work in set design and stage direction, and has represented the Philippines at the ASEAN Performing Arts Festival.
Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan will be produced by IdeaFirst Live!, the live performance division of The IdeaFirst Company, co-founded by Lana and Elmer Gatchalian. Tickets for the play will be available in October.