Photos / PETA
The current theater scene in the Philippines is exciting, with many great local productions like Walang Aray, Bawat Bonggang Bagay, Anak Datu, Tabing Ilog, and so much more being staged last year. The arrival of Hamilton in 2023 also became a social event, which is much deserved as the hit musical made its Asian premiere in the Philippines.
Plenty of productions will be hitting the stage soon, and if you want to add more to your calendar, check out the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) CONTROL + SHIFT. The event features a collection of new theater performances that aim to provoke curiosity, spark conversations, challenge assumptions, and interrogate and transform the toxic narratives and harmful depictions that hold society back.
It features eight new works, devised performances, and the re-staging of KUMPRONTASYON. What’s great is that the shows are divided into sets so that each ticket can access three to four shows. CONTROL + SHIFT will be held from January 12-14 and 19-21, 2024, at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City.
Below are the works that will be included:
Momsilogues
Photo / PETA
Single mom foodie vloggers collaborate on an interactive vlog about tapsilog, uncovering a savory journey of career, love, and motherhood. The play was written by Zoe Damag, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola, and Gold Villar-Lim and directed by Villar-Lim.
Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z
A journalist interviews two recovering halimaw about their reintegration into society and discovers a shocking revelation that could alter humanity’s destiny forever. This play explores the construction of monster myths and their impact on young Filipinos’ mental and social well-being. This play was written by Sabrina Basillo and directed by Norbs Portales.
Albularyo
A movement performance that journeys into the world of Filipino folk healing of the ills of our body and our nation. Direction, concept, and choreography are by Carlon Matobato, while the dramaturgy is by Ian Segarra.
Children of the Algo
Gen Z content creators hide their deeper realities while navigating the digital age with wit and vulnerability, challenging viewers to see beyond the algorithm. It was written by Mixkaela Villalon and directed by John Moran.
Kislap at Fuego
It is an unexpected fairytale between a kapre and a country girl, set amidst the Philippine Revolution against Spain. This play explores how to reshape our talk about love, rebirth, and revolution. The play was written by Dominique La Victoria, with direction by Maribel Legarda and J-mee Katanyag, and a Filipino translation by Gentle Mapagu.
/ (Slash)
When an influencer’s best friend is “canceled,” her seemingly neutral stance is tested. As these two friends grapple with re-entering the industry, Xendy (the influencer) tries to balance loyalty, righteousness, and branding. It was written by Liza Magtoto and directed by Meann Espinosa.
Ang Parangal
In this adaptation of Miloš Forman’s 1967 comedy film, The Fireman’s Ball, a group of barangay tanod organizes a community celebration in tribute to their retired barangay captain. Still, it crumbles in the face of their dire ineptitude. Spectacles and good intentions are not enough to make up for incompetence in governance. Direction and concept are by Eric dela Cruz, and it is adapted by and co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario.
Nakatala Sa Tubig
This staged reading is a performance discourse on water and the lives and roles of women in times of war. Glecy Atienza wrote it in collaboration with Anthony Cruz and Bobet Mendoza.
Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?
The residents of Barangay Pinapili woke up in an obscure playground. To leave, they must beat a series of childhood games, each with a dark twist. It was written by Kyle Saldonido and directed by Kovi Billones with directing guidance from Ian Segarra. This is a devised performance by Umalohokan, Inc.
KUMPRONTASYON
This production boasts three plays: Allan Palileo’s “Lakambini,” Guelan Luarca’s “The Impossible Dream,” and Joshua Lim So’s “A Color for Tomorrow.” They use theater as a platform for difficult but necessary conversations on unresolved historical and political events. Melvin Lee wrote it.
To see the sets and buy tickets, please visit: tinyurl.com/PETAControlShift.
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