Mediartrix-UST, a university-wide multimedia organization, staged its debut production for the academic year, “Ayoko kay Helena,” at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium on Feb. 4.
The musical production, directed by Nerlin Ann Cometa, is a retelling of the story of Helen of Troy, centering on a pop girl group consisting of Helena (Riccy Belmonte), Hera (Faith Humirang) and Athena (Darlene Rivera).
As these women ascend to the peak of their careers, they also confront the music industry’s glass ceiling— an invisible barrier that is shaped by patriarchy, stigma and stereotypes that limit their potential.
The relatability of the production is central to Cometa’s artistic vision, mirroring her personal experience of “losing her voice” due to misogyny, citing what she described as “oppression and lack of freedom in Filipino society.”
“Gusto ko ipakita ‘yun (misogyny) sa madla kasi in the Philippine context, super normalized ng ganitong issue,… na hindi pa nabibigyan ng action,” Cometa said.
While tackling weighty issues, the production maintains its sense of playfulness, offering the audience an enjoyable yet socially conscious story.
The production, however, prioritizes an unambiguous storyline over thematic complexity, leaving the audience little room to interpret and analyze the story in depth. A few lackluster scenes occasionally slow the show’s momentum.
The story’s ending felt abrupt and lacked a significant payoff, leaving the audience unsatisfied.
Nonetheless, the cast and live band’s performance presented a dynamic soundtrack that stands as the true powerhouse of the production.
Ultimately, the production is grounded in recognizing the female voice, contributing to the resurgent feminist discourse.
