October 20, 2025 | 11:06am
MANILA, Philippines — The cast of “Jeproks: The Musical,” David Ezra, Sheila Ferrer and Jeffrey Hidalgo believe that art is political.
During an intimate press conference on October 8, Ezra said that it is the responsibility of artists to use their influence for good.
“Sa isang musical or sa isang play, sa isang piece of art, responsibility mo rin as an artist na imulat ‘yung audience mo. Pero in a way, ipaalam mo rin sa kanila na this is just a device para magliyab, mag-research more, at maging citizen na nagiging present sa lahat ng nangyayari sa bansa,” Ezra said.
“Hindi tama ‘yung mag-setup ka ng art para lang sa isang side. Ako, tingin ko sa isang piece of art, sa isang theater, play, musical, kahit ano pa ‘yan, maganda na mayroon kang ilalagay politically just to ignite the fire in people, to start conversation, hindi to judge someone,” he added.
LOOK: Intimate press conference of “Jeproks The Musical: Mga Awitin ni Mike Hanopol,” starring Jeffrey Hidalgo, David Ezra, and Sheila Ferrer.
The stage production is directed by Frannie Zamora.
| via https://t.co/3UWeeHiNED / Jan Milo Severo pic.twitter.com/yoh1KM8hNn
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) October 8, 2025
For Ferrer, art always speaks the truth.
“Naniniwala ako na art is political. Even before naman talaga. Art is used as a tool kung may mga ipinaglalaban. Ang importante lang naman at the end of the day ay kung ano talaga ‘yung truth at kung paano makatutulong sa tao,” she said.
Similarly, Hidalgo emphasized that fairness should be presented to art viewers.
“It’s always best to present all sides, both sides. Mas maganda na palaging maging fair tayo. Hindi puwedeng pumanig sa isang side lang. The only side that we should be supportive is the truth and what’s right. Sa tingin ko, ‘yun lang naman ang palaging hindi magbabagol,” the actor said.
“So it’s really all about opening your minds, listening, and knowing what’s right, knowing what’s good,” he added.
Ezra, Ferrer and Hidalgo will star in “Jeproks: The Musical,” a production inspired by the songs of Pinoy rock legend Mike Hanopol. Directed by Frannie Zamora and musically directed by Joed Balsamo, the show is produced by Tanghalang Una Obra and The Hammock Productions, Inc.
It will run at the GSIS Theater on Roxas Boulevard from November 20 to 23 and November 27 to 29, with a live band accompanying all performances
RELATED: David Ezra to play OPM legend Mike Hanopol role in ‘Jeproks: The Musical’
