MANILA, Philippines?The country?s political climate may be gloomy, but the local theater scene is glowing these days:

At Dulaang UP, Dexter Santos gives Francisco Baltazar?s classic komedya, ?Orosman at Zafira,? a visceral, movement-fueled reworking in his triumphant directorial debut.

Ingenious fusion

Even better, Santos? revisionist take creates an inventively theatrical narrative style that uses an ingenious fusion of dance, chant and poetry devoid of over-the-top acting, as it tackles love, loyalty, ambition and betrayal in the midst of tribal wars.

On the day we watched, the wonderful and youthful cast (who included Felix Rivera, Red Concepcion, Judith Javier, Nikki Ventosa, China Tapia, Mica Pineda and Mara Marasigan) imbued their roles with passion and ferocity. But, it was the beautiful voice and luminous performance of Maita Ponce (as Zafira) and the star-making presence of JC Santos (as Zelim) that truly impressed us.

Repertory Philippines is also trying out new things: We?re pleased about the welcome direction the 41-year-old company is taking in its effort to reenergize itself. Certainly, the company?s new approach (though not always successfully realized) hasn?t gone unnoticed:

?Tuesdays with Morrie,? for instance, got rid of the usual lavish sets, so its audiences focused more on the material?although the breezy rom-com, ?Romance in D,? led by Audie Gemora (in an endearingly winsome performance) and Pinky Marquez (who?s hilariously kooky), returns to the genre it?s most known for: Comedy.

Rock musical

On the CCP stage, multi-talented actress Tex Ordonez returns to the local theater scene after her yearlong stint at Hong Kong Disneyland. Despite an underwritten role, Tex shines in Tanghalang Pilipino?s rock musical, ?EJ,? which interweaves?albeit awkwardly?the lives of Ateneo-educated, martial law-era activists: The liberal democrat Evelio Javier and the left-leaning Edgar Jopson.

And, speaking of timely comebacks, after her stint with ?Miss Saigon? and ?King and I? in Germany, Monique and Jamie Wilson?s sister, Gina?with twins, Max and Jackie, in tow?is back in town for a well-deserved breather.

Monique performs with Oprah, Glenn Close

Over at New Voice, we just received word that Monique Wilson will be performing alongside Oprah Winfrey, Glenn Close, Jane Fonda, Jessica Alba, Sally Field, Salma Hayek, Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson at V-Day?s 10th anniversary show, ?V to the Tenth,? at the New Orleans Arena and the Louisiana Superdome on April 11 and 12, respectively.

Eve Ensler, author of ?The Vagina Monologues,? personally asked Monique to perform one of the monologues?in Tagalog!