In Theatre Group Asia’s local adaptation of Into the Woods, Broadway icon Lea Salonga transforms into the mysterious and menacing Witch with more than just her legendary voice and commanding presence — she dons couture creations that are as spellbinding as her performance.

These magical looks are the handiwork of acclaimed Filipino designer Rajo Laurel, whose collaboration with costume designer Raven Ong results in an exquisite homage to Philippine culture on an international stage.

“It was such an honor for me to be involved in the Into the Woods production,” Rajo shared on social media. “Clint [Ramos] wanted the production to be our own. Meaning, the influence and the feel should be Filipino.”

The creative direction from overall artistic director Ramos was clear: turn the fantasy of Into the Woods grounded in local color and culture. For Rajo, who began his journey in the arts as a child actor in Repertory Philippines—sharing the stage with a young Lea in The King and I — the opportunity felt like a full-circle moment.

Garden of symbolism and style

Rajo’s design process was rooted in storytelling, marrying the visual grandeur of classic theater with motifs drawn from Filipino heritage. The Act One costume featured a bold nod to the anahaw, the Philippine national leaf traditionally associated with strength and resilience. The reveal moment, as the Witch transforms, is a theatrical flourish reminiscent of the ornate Santacruzan pageants that celebrate beauty, culture and faith.

Act Two unveils a darker, richer interpretation of the character. Here, Laurel and Ong explored deeper green hues, symbolizing decay, mystery and power. The bodice, intricately embroidered with flora inspired by the vegetables from the beloved folk song Bahay Kubo, is a playful yet poignant tribute to local agriculture and sustainability—a whimsical detail with cultural depth.

“Every villain needs a dramatic cape,” Rajo added with a laugh. “So we made two for Lea.” 

Crafting the Witch with local soul

The collaboration with Ong, whose expertise in costume design anchored the vision, was vital in translating Rajo’s couture concepts into functional stage wear. The final result is a seamless fusion of high fashion and theater craft, elevating The Witch from fairy tale archetype into a uniquely Filipina enchantress.

With this production, Laurel not only brings Salonga’s Witch to visual life — he redefines how fantasy can be told through the lens of Filipino identity. The embroidery, silhouettes and textures are not mere embellishments; they’re a love letter to our cultural roots, sewn into every seam.

Ode to the Filipino theater dream

“I grew up in the theater. It’s what made me fall in love with fashion and costume,” Rajo said. “So this wasn’t just a design job — it was a personal celebration of everything I love.”

From stage to style, Into the Woods becomes more than a musical — it becomes a canvas where Filipino creativity shines. With Lea’s powerhouse performance wrapped in Laurel’s visionary designs, this production reminds us that our stories, symbols and artistry are more than worthy of center stage.