Areté and Wolfgang unite for Si Faust (After Goethe): A rock opera reimagining of the classic tragedy

After the success of Quomodo Desolata Es, Areté proudly presents Si Faust (After Goethe)—an explosive new rock opera featuring the music of the iconic Filipino band, Wolfgang. Co-created by Wolfgang’s legendary frontman, Basti Artadi, together with director Nelsito Gomez, Si Faust reimagines Goethe’s timeless tale through the raw energy, power, and poetry of Filipino rock. This production also celebrates Wolfgang’s 30th anniversary, honoring their enduring influence on Filipino music and culture.

Taking center stage is Joseton Vergel De Dios as Faust, joined by Maita Ponce as Mephistopheles, Sha-ira Opsimar as Marga, Joshua Cabiladas as Tiño, and Matel Patayon as Martha. The ensemble features MC Dela Cruz, Jam Binay, JV Fulgencio, Thor Ganchero, and Iya Villanueva, rounding out a powerhouse cast that brings this daring vision to life.

Set in a Philippine province devastated by a mysterious plague, Si Faust transforms the legendary story of a man’s pact with the Devil into a visceral rock experience. Here, Faust is reimagined as a foreign preacher, weary and broken, who makes a desperate bargain with Mephistopheles in exchange for youth, power, and pleasure. As his miraculous deeds heal the sick and earn him fame, Faust finds himself ensnared in a doomed love with Marga, an innocent provincial girl whose life and soul become collateral in his descent from grace.

This production is part of Pumpon ng Rosas, Areté’s new season–a tribute to a new beginning, inspiration, and the vitality of theater, which includes previous productions such as 3 Upuan, the rerun of Sintang Dalisay, and Quomodo Desolata Es.

This electrifying production is directed by Nelsito Gomez, with Kabaitan Bautista serving as musical director, arranger, and sound designer. Rafael Jimenez joins as assistant director, while Jim Ferrer choreographs the show’s striking movement. The creative team also includes Sarah Facuri (set design), Carlo Pagunaling (costume design), Jethro Nibaten (lighting design), Joyce Garcia (video and projection design), and Brian Sy (fight choreography).

Si Faust runs from November 14 to 23 at the Doreen Black Box Theater in Areté, with performances scheduled as follows:

• 14 November at 7:30 PM
• 15 to 16 November  at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
• 20 to 21 November at 7:30 PM
• 22 to 23 November at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM

Tickets are priced at ₱1,499 (Premium) and ₱999 (Regular) and are available at arete.helixpay.ph

Don’t miss this groundbreaking collaboration between Areté and Wolfgang, as Si Faust fuses the power of rock with the tragedy of human ambition, a thrilling descent into darkness that asks: What would you give to have it all?