In a previous interview, Bituin Escalante voiced her disappointment with the lack of support for theater and the reasons why it is not more mainstream. 

Some people even call theater "corny," which, according to director and writer Eldrin Veloso, is not fair. Just like any other work of art, there are corny projects, but calling the art itself "corny" is unfair.

“I get why people feel some works are ‘corny.’ But like any other work of art, I think the ‘corniness’ lies in the content and execution of a work of art, not in the art form itself. Theater is one of the oldest and grandest art forms, and it has been a powerful tool by the masses to effect meaningful change in the society. We can call the individual work ‘corny,’ but we can’t call theater in itself as an art form ‘corny,’” he told ABS-CBN News.

Photo by Josh Mercado

Emphasizing the importance of proper theater arts education, Veloso added, “I just want to add that this can also be a reflection of lack of proper theater arts education and appreciation in the country. A play may be ‘corny’ but the better takeaway is how it can be improved from an audience’s perspective. Baka kasi minsan, tulad sa ibang likha, nakokornihan tayo kasi mayroon pa tayong maaaring maunawaan.”

The "Pilato" director went on to make a request for help, noting that theater should have formalized government funding, similar to what the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) does for motion pictures.

He shared with ABS-CBN News, “I believe there is much more space to grow in this industry. Institutionalized government support can be one, similar to FDCP for motion pictures. Support through more grants can also help alleviate the price barrier for audiences, which I believe is one of the reasons why theater is not 'more mainstream.' We can also update our curriculum in schools: expand the integration of theater arts, include the contemporary works, and cultivate theater groups.”

"Pilato," an all-original Filipino musical, tells the story of Jesus Christ's trial and crucifixion through the perspective of Poncio Pilato, a man trapped between power, faith, and responsibility. This is Veloso's first time directing a theater production, and he credits Behn Cervantes and Floy Quintos with inspiring him to take on the stage.

This is also the first theatrical effort for The Corner Studio, a creative agency known for crafting compelling narratives through its abilities in branding, production, marketing, and design. Now, it boldly takes the stage, bringing its storytelling vision to life in a new dimension.

“This is not a senakulo. This is not a religious play. We hope that the audience will have a fresher appreciation of the events that transpired more than 2,000 years ago. This play is different in a sense that it’s not merely talking about the past. Based on studying the canonical gospels and historical accounts, we weaved a story that surprisingly still mirrors today’s society. In the age of misinformation and on the brink of a post-truth era, Pilato’s question centuries ago is still relevant today: Ano ba ang katotohanan?” he told ABS-CBN News. 

The cast features Jerome Ferguson as Pilato, Onyl Torres as Josepo, Christy Lagapa as Procla, Noel Rayos as Hesus, Jeremy Manite as Caiaphas, Marit Samson as Publius, Chan Rabutazo as Decimus, and Ard Lim as Marcus. They are joined by Mika Espinosa, VJ Cortel, Julia Panlilio, Hiro Delos Reyes, Misha Fabian, Robert Macaraeg, Francel Go, Darwin Lomentigar, Harrah Casey, Thor Ganchero, Cynthia J. Santos, and Jason Chan as members of the ensemble.

The show is written by director Eldrin Veloso with composer Yanni Robeniol. They are joined by Pauline Arejola (musical director), Tsard Chua (scenic and costume designer), Ian Torqueza (lighting designer and technical director), and Daniel Wesley (choreographer).

It begins on April 4 at 8 p.m. and will run from April 5 to 6 and April 11 to 13, with shows at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the PETA Theater Center. Tickets cost P2,200 (VIP), P2,000 (Orchestra), P1,500 (Orchestra Side and Lower Balcony Center), and P1,200 (Lower Balcony Side and Upper Balcony Center) and are available at pilato.helixpay.ph.