'Kisapmata' review: A fearless stage retelling of a real-life nightmare

Some stories are so haunting that they linger in the mind long after the curtains close. "Kisapmata," Tanghalang Pilipino’s closing production for its 38th season, is one such story.

Adapted and directed by Palanca awardee Guelan Luarca, "Kisapmata" is an intense psychological thriller that brings to the stage a harrowing real-life tragedy, one that sheds light on the terrifying consequences of unchecked authority.

The play is based on Nick Joaquin’s non-fiction reportage, "The House on Zapote Street," first published in the Philippines Free Press Magazine in January 1961. It recounts a horrific familicide committed by a retired police detective, known in this adaptation as Tatay Dadong.

This tragedy is already immortalized in Mike De Leon’s 1981 film "Kisapmata." Now, Tanghalang Pilipino breathes new life into this haunting tale, offering audiences a raw and deeply unsettling theatrical experience.

Story of oppression and desperation

The narrative follows Mila, a young woman desperate to escape the tyrannical grip of her father. When she falls in love with Noel and they decide to marry, she believes she has found a way out. However, Tatay Dadong refuses to relinquish control. What should have been a new beginning for Mila turns into a nightmare as her father tightens his hold, leading to a tragic and violent climax.

The play masterfully captures the suffocating fear that Mila experiences, with the oppressive presence of her father, the complicity of her mother, and the helplessness of her husband — all these mirror the disturbing reality of abusive family dynamics.

Jonathan Tadioan’s portrayal of Tatay Dadong is particularly chilling—his authority, menace, and psychological dominance feel almost too real, making it impossible not to share in Mila’s terror. Every glance, every command, and every instance of control radiates a suffocating presence that keeps the audience on edge.

The ensemble cast delivers equally powerful performances. Mila’s fear is palpable, her struggle heartbreaking. Noel’s transition from a hopeful husband to a trapped prisoner in his own marriage is gut-wrenching. The mother’s silent tolerance of the abuse is infuriating, yet hauntingly realistic.

These performances make the audience feel like voyeurs to a real-life horror unfolding just next door, as if overhearing the desperate cries of neighbors in distress.

Minimalist yet effective stage setup

One of the most striking aspects of this production is its simplicity. "Kisapmata" does not rely on a complicated stage setup or elaborate props. Instead, its minimalistic approach enhances the rawness of the storytelling.

The sparse yet purposeful set design allows the audience to focus entirely on the performances, and proving that one powerful storytelling does not require grand theatrics—only the truth, laid bare.

Reflection of society’s dark realities

Beyond being a family tragedy, "Kisapmata" serves as a chilling metaphor for authoritarian rule, oppression, and cycles of abuse that persist in our society.

It echoes the past dictatorship in the Philippines and draws parallels to the struggles of marginalized communities who continue to suffer under abusive power structures. The themes of "Kisapmata" remain painfully relevant today. The normalization of abuse, the silencing of victims, and the societal tendency to turn a blind eye to domestic violence are issues that still plague many households.

Theatrical wake-up call

Violence, control, and psychological torment make "Kisapmata" a deeply disturbing but necessary watch.

It is not just a story of one family’s downfall—it is a reflection of a society where abuse is often tolerated, where victims are silenced, and where survival sometimes means compliance.

It raises urgent questions: How many more Milas are out there? How many victims remain unheard? And what will it take for the cycle to end?

Tanghalang Pilipino’s "Kisapmata" is not for the faint of heart. But for those willing to confront its harrowing truths, it is an unforgettable experience—one that will leave audiences haunted long after they step out of the theater. More than just a play, Kisapmata is a necessary wake-up call, demanding awareness, empathy, and action for those who are still trapped in their own houses of horror.

The stage adaptation features seasoned members of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company: Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, and Toni Go-Yadao.

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me for PHP 1,500-P2,000. It will run until March 30, 2025 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex. —JCB, GMA Integrated News