MANILA – “Mabining Mandirigma,” Tanghalang Pilipino’s original musical about hero Apolinario Mabini, has gained urgency on its second run, just months ahead of the May national elections.

Originally staged as part of the 150th birthday celebrations of Mabini in July last year, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines brought back the musical, which is on its final weekend at the Little Theater.

Read our original review here.

While its steampunk design, melodic score and rich text continue to impress audiences, “Mabining Mandirigma” has become even more relevant since its debut last year.

The phenomenal success of the biopic “Heneral Luna” – the hot-headed general also makes an appearance in the musical – helped prime audiences, who get to revisit those tumultuous years of President Emilio Aguinaldo with a different perspective – and a highly stylized presentation.

It also reminds audiences of their role in nation-building ahead of the all-important May elections with its flag-waving anthems and overall fervor.

But one reason to catch this new run – especially those who caught the original -- is to savor the intense performance of Liesl Batucan, who now plays Mabini. (Delphine Buencamino played the hero in the original run.)

Although more associated with English-language productions with Repertory Philippines, Batucan buries herself in the role and comes up with a full-bodied performance that totally made sense of this bold casting choice. -- Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBN News

“Mabining Mandirigma” will have its final performances on March 11-13 at the CCP Little Theater.