MANILA, Philippines – Nick Joaquin’s “The House on Zapote Street” has been well-known in Philippine literature as the national artist himself, as it inspired other works such as the iconic film “Kisapmata” directed by Mike de Leon in 1981. A true-crime report written in 1961 about the image of a “perfect” Filipino family and how this image changed, the piece has long been an example of a timeless Filipino classic.
In 2025, Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company continues to relive the piece with a stage adaptation. After a successful first run in March, the show is extending at the Areté in Ateneo.
“Kisapmata” director Guelan Luarca and actor Toni Go-Yadao sit down with Rappler senior producer JC Gotinga as they talk about bringing the piece to the stage, the challenges they went through, and why telling this story matters at a time like now.
Watch the interview on Wednesday, April 9, at 2 pm on Rappler’s YouTube and Facebook accounts. – Rappler.com
