Ma-Buhay! Filipinos Singing For Their Lives, is A New Musical being created by Joseph Sevillo, a local Filipino musical theatre artist with over 25 years of experience in performing, directing, choreography, teaching, and now…playwriting! Joseph’s goal with Ma-Buhay is to increase the representation of Filipino artists in the professional theatre and provide development opportunities for young Filipino artists.
The story of Ma-Buhay is set in present-day Winnipeg, and follows three young Filipinos from different economic backgrounds as they compete in the grand finale of a prestigious singing competition, ‘Star On The Rise’ to prove to the judges, their families and the country that they are worthy of the national title.
In 2017, newly appointed Artistic Director of Rainbow Stage, Carson Nattrass opened his doors to all Manitoban artists to hear their goals and dreams, and see how he could assist them in his new role. Through these meetings, Joseph shared his vision for an all-Filipino musical called Ma-Buhay. A partnership was formed and a plan was set in motion to support Joseph in creating his musical through a 3-phase development plan, with the goal of producing its world premiere production in 2024!