MANILA, Philippines – Somewhere by a road in Pasig, a large gate stands, and if you don’t look closely enough, you could miss it entirely — a sign marked “Studio A.” The guard by the entrance will tell you to walk straight until you reach the corner and take a left. If you have stumbled upon this venue on a random late night, you are led down a dark, eerily quiet walkway between a cluster of old warehouses, still and foreboding.
The destination is not the set of a classic horror movie, but it may as well be. This is Studio A Productions, an independent production company that stages original Filipino plays and musicals. Founded in 2023 by a group of friends — both amateur and professional artists — Studio A has since taken the local theater scene by storm with 10 productions to date, each offering its own distinct take on the horror genre.
Skeleton to skin
From psychological thrillers like their debut Gising Na, hardcore horror hitters like Bisita, to more drama-heavy, mythical experiences like Kaning Itim and their most recent Makara, Studio A’s chosen niche is a point of pride for the team.
Makara, a story about love, friendship, and family, is set in a coastal Filipino town populated by a close-knit community. Raine Romero/Rappler
