Royce Cabrera and Jasmine Curtis-Smith recently wrapped up Endo, the stage adaptation of the 2007 Cinemalaya film of the same name.
Endo follows Leo, a young man from a struggling family who did not finish school, leaving him with no choice but to work as a contractual worker in various establishments. In one of his jobs, he meets Tanya, a high-spirited woman who opens his world to love and possibility. As their romance deepens, Leo yearns for a sense of fulfillment and security, yet he remains unprepared for the permanence that love demands.
Photo: Jamin Lim
Cabrera and Curtis-Smith are both naturals on stage. As Leo, Cabrera had a frankness in his performance that became more pronounced in his vulnerable scenes. Curtis-Smith had a lightness that’s genuine and unaffected. Her optimism is contagious and believable.
After Endo, do the actors want to return to theatre?
Photo: Jamin Lim
During a one-on-one interview with WheninManila.com, Cabrera said, “Of course. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin. As an actor, gusto mo rin talaga sumubok ng iba’t ibang platform, ibang material, so ’pag may dumating na okay, why not?“
Curtis-Smith also answered in the affirmative, “Yes. Good scripts will always be something that will make you turn your head and want to do more. Sana meron pa.“
For those who are not familiar, both actors have previously performed on stage.
Cabrera did Kabesang Tales (Isang Rap En Rol Musical) in 2014 and The Foxtrot in 2025. Curtis-Smith, meanwhile, performed in No Filter in 2015 and 3 Upuan in 2025.
Photo: Shella Toledo
The actor had this to say about why he’s back on stage: “Hinahanap ko lang din. Noong pagbalik ko last year, medyo nabitin ako parang gusto ko pa ituloy. So pinagbigyan naman ako ni Universe, napasama dito sa Endo. As an actor, gusto mo rin talagang lumagpas sa range mo, sa limit mo, na ano pa kaya ‘yung pwede kong matutunan, pwede kong gawin, pwede kong subukan. And ganoon naman tayo, parang lalo na sa nangyari sa generation natin ngayon, parang gusto mong gawin lahat.”
Curtis-Smith added, “Wala lang din naging offers, I guess, because a lot of people thought na hindi naman talaga akong nagti-teatro. Or people think kasi na kapag nasa TV or film ka na minsan, tapos primarily, kilala ka nasa TV, baka hindi mo siya ginagawa. So madalas ‘yun ‘yung nae-encounter kong sinasabi sa akin na, ‘Oh, open ka pala sa theater.’“
Photo: Jamin Lim
What was it like being back on stage?
“Napakasaya kasi ‘yung pagka-raw ng connections pagdating sa theater. Kasi literal walang camera, walang ibang items, just you, your script, and your co-actors. So I think ‘yun ‘yung napakamasarap and enjoyable na balikan and to experience again,” said Curtis-Smith.
Cabrera added, “Nag-adjust ako. Siyempre, iba ‘yung acting range na kailangan mong gawin sa film at sa TV. Pagdating dito, medyo malaki. So nagkaroon ako ng adjustment dahil matagal na rin ‘yung last na teatro ko.“
With Endo’s success, the theatre world is looking forward to seeing Cabrera and Curtis-Smith on stage again.
Endo ran from April 10 to May 10, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City.
Cabrera and Curtis-Smith alternated with Rissey Reyes-Robinson and Esteban Mara as Leo and Tanya. Bernardez alternated with Kate Alejandrino-Juan as Candy. The play was written by Liza Magtoto and directed by Melvin Lee. They were joined by Kabaitan Bautista as music director, composer, and sound designer; D. Cortezano as production designer; David Esguerra as lighting designer; John Carlo V. Pagunaling as costume designer; Christine Crame as choreographer; and Eric V. Dela Cruz as dramaturg.
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