Reimagining Rizal: Kakki Teodoro on portraying the national hero as a woman In 'Pingkian: Isang Musical'

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In Tanghalang Pilipino’s "Pingkian: Isang Musikal," audiences are confronted with a striking artistic choice: Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, is embodied by a woman.

Taking on this bold interpretation is veteran stage actress Kakki Teodoro, who admits the role is both daunting and deeply meaningful.

“Maraming layers kung bakit babae si Rizal,” Teodoro began. (There are many layers to why Rizal is portrayed as a woman.)

According to Teodoro, the casting decision reflects both symbolism and artistic intent. Within the musical, Rizal appears not as a literal historical figure but as a manifestation of Emilio Jacinto’s conscience, a voice of wisdom within his fevered visions and memories. 

“It’s also to emphasize that this is happening in his mind. Rizal is not directly present in Jacinto’s life, but his wisdom is speaking to him in his subconscious,” she said, adding that portraying Rizal as a woman also connects to broader themes of representation. 

“For me, artistically, the representation of Rizal as a woman is freedom. Walang nakakulong. There’s so much freedom in the performance,” she said. 

“And representation matters. For young women to see Rizal embodied by a woman is powerful, it opens doors to what’s possible.”

Still, the actress admits she felt both pressure and gratitude when offered the part. 

“I was very pressured at the start because Rizal is such a big role, but also very honored. It’s rare to have a role that challenges and scares you every day because it makes you grow as an actor and as a person.”

For Teodoro, the choice to embody Rizal in this way also carries a message that resonates beyond the stage. “Kung hindi pa tayo nagkakaroon ng Pingkian sa ating mga puso, ito na talaga yan,” she said. (If we haven’t yet sparked a flame in our hearts, this is truly the moment.)

In portraying Rizal not as a distant monument but as a living, breathing guide and as a woman Teodoro hopes audiences leave the theater not only rethinking their heroes but also reimagining their role in the continuing fight for freedom.

Written by Palanca Award-winner Juan Ekis, with music by Gawad Buhay-recognized composer Ejay Yatco and directed by theater stalwart Jenny Jamora, "Pingkian" delivers a riveting portrayal of Jacinto’s passion, ideals, and ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of Filipino freedom. The musical explores the complexities of youth, leadership, and nationhood in the final years of the Philippine Revolution and the early stages of the Philippine-American War.

Joining Robinson and Pangilinan is a stellar ensemble: Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Josefa Dizon, Kakki Teodoro as Jose Rizal, and Paw Castillo as Andres Bonifacio, with Almond Bolante, Joshua Cadeliña, and Marco Viaña rounding out the principal cast. 

The musical will run until October 12 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City. — LA, GMA Integrated News