‘Bangaw’ reimagines classic tale of survival

“The buzzing of Bangaw is a warning. It’s what happens when we forget our kapwa [oneness with others]—our shared connection—and when rules blind us to our true kalooban [goodwill]. We didn’t just want to translate a classic—we wanted to make it ours, a mirror of who we are today,” said Dudz Teraña, FEU Theater Group (FTG) Artistic Director.

The FTG is currently staging Bangaw, a Filipino play adapted from William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Written by Gold Villar-Lim, with music by Vince Lim, the production is directed by Teraña.

At its core, Bangaw is a reflection on the consequences of human choices—and the responsibility of shaping what comes next.

“This is how theater empowers the youth,” added Teraña. “It gives them a safe space to face their fears and discover their strength. Even in darkness, we still have the power to choose a different path.”

Set on a remote island in the Visayas, Bangaw follows a group of high school students stranded after a plane crash. With no adults and no rules, their attempt to build order quickly unravels—giving way to fear, violence, and a growing obsession with a mysterious “monster.” What begins as survival becomes a descent into chaos, culminating in the collapse of their fragile society.

New life is breathed into “The Lord of the Flies” through a distinctly Filipino lens in Bangaw, which explores power, leadership, and identity in a fractured world. Blending original music, symbolic movement, and ensemble-driven storytelling, the FEU Theater Guild's production reflects contemporary social realities while foregrounding values such as bayanihan (communal unity and cooperation), resilience, and shared humanity.

“Though its intense approach can become numbing, this musical adaptation… boasts striking visual design and a ferocious ensemble,” said writer and critic Emil Hofileña.

“A daring and thought-provoking production that leaves both an emotional and intellectual imprint,” added Follow Spot Reviews.

Founded in 1934, FTG is one of the oldest student theater organizations in the country, known for bold, socially relevant productions and its commitment to developing new talent and Filipino storytelling.

Bangaw runs on May 2, 6, 7, and 9 (3 pm and 6 pm)—final performances before the curtain closes.