Tovic Salvador

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo takes on Maria Callas in 2026 staging of 'Master Class'

Article (news)

Jude Cartalaba

After the late Cherie Gil assumed the role of the imperious and commanding diva Maria Callas created by American playwright Terrence McNally in the 1995 play &quot;Master Class,&quot; the Philippines&#x27; First Lady of Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo stars in the production directed by Jaime del Mundo.As part of its 25th anniversary season, the Philippine Opera Company (POC) proudly presents a special production of the award-winning play. &quot;Master Class&quot; won the Tony Award for Best Play, Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Broadway Play.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771804476133b86ac8e6-fa97-40ff-90a6-83e503e73360.jpg" style="width:655px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>Opening on May 15, the production will run for the entire month at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati, with Friday and Saturday evening performances and weekend matinees.POC staged its last &quot;Master Class&quot; in 2010. This anniversary revival is both a tribute to the legends who shaped the operatic world, and a bold reminder that true artistry demands courage, discipline, and soul.When asked why &quot;Master Class&quot; after 16 years, POC artistic director Karla Gutierrez shares: &quot;As we celebrate 25 years of the Philippine Opera Company, we felt it was important to revisit a work that speaks directly about legacy. &#x27;Master Class&#x27; reminds us that artistry is not about applause alone — it is about discipline, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of truth. In an age of immediacy, Maria Callas challenges us to slow down and demand excellence of ourselves and of our craft.&quot;&quot;This is the perfect piece to anchor our anniversary season because it reflects exactly what POC has stood for over the last 25 years,&quot; she added.Set during a series of public master classes at Juilliard in the &#x27;70s, &quot;Master Class&quot; offers an intimate and riveting portrait of Maria Callas at the height of her myth and legacy. As she works with young opera singers, Callas relives the triumphs and heartbreaks of her storied career — her artistic struggles, her turbulent love life, and the sacrifices demanded by greatness.The rest of the cast will be announced soon.

After the late Cherie Gil assumed the role of the imperious and commanding diva Maria Callas created by American playwright Terrence McNally in the 1995 play "Master Class," the Philippines' First Lady of Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo stars in the production directed by Jaime del Mundo.

After the late Cherie Gil assumed the role of the imperious and commanding diva Maria Callas created by American playwright Terrence McNally in the 1995 play "Master Class," the Philippines' First Lady of Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo stars in the production directed by Jaime del Mundo.