Cover VLF 18 Cover Photo
VLF 18 Cover Photo
1 / 1
Titled ‘‘Hitik’’, this year’s edition of Virgin Labfest highlights elements that make up the artistry of Filipinos
The Virgin Labfest (VLF) turns 18 this year, and the stage is set for an incredible display of new works. Following the theme of Hitik—which means, to be laden with fruits or flowers—the festival is filled with untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays from upcoming playwrights. Made in collaboration with established and emerging directors, designers, and actors, VLF 18 unveils its latest chapter through four thematic sets.
Festival directors Tess Jamias and Marco Viaña promise brave works overflowing with Filipino sensibilities and creativity. Get ready to be swept away by the abundance of talent, flair, and passion at Virgin Labfest’s new home, Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, this June 7-25.
More from Tatler: National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin’s ‘Encantada’ makes a triumphant revival
Above Bembol Roco (left) and Crispin Pineda in a scene from J Dennis Teodosio's "Rosas." at the Virgin Labfest 14 (Photo: Facebook / Aggy Mago for Virgin Labfest)
Bembol Roco (left) and Crispin Pineda in a scene from J Dennis Teodosio's "Rosas." at the Virgin Labfest 14 (Photo: Facebook / Aggy Mago for Virgin Labfest)
1 / 1
‘‘This year's VLF will be no exception to the festival's legacy of producing brave new works and discovering emerging theatre artists over the past 18 years. The theme for this year, ‘HITIK,’ highlights the abundance of stories and artists, emphasizing the festival's commitment to celebrating diversity and providing a platform for artists from various backgrounds and perspectives. Several VLF veterans will make a triumphant return, but what sets this year's festival apart is the inclusion of a significant number of ‘Virgin’ writers. Seven out of the twelve new plays featured in the festival are from playwrights showcasing their work for the first time. This emphasis on fresh voices and untapped talent adds a sense of excitement and discovery to the lineup.’’ says Viaña.
Set A follows the theme of “Adulting 101” and features three plays. O by Raymund Barcelon, directed by Missy Maramara; Regine: The Fairy Gaymother by Chuck D Smith with director Mark Daniel Dalacat; and 10 to Midnight, written by Juliene Mendoza, to be directed by Sarah Facuri.
Set B, titled “REBELasyon”, is composed of Ang Awit ng Dalagang Marmol by playwright Andrew Estacio directed by Nazer Salcedo; Dominador Gonzales: National Artist by Dingdong Novenario and director George De Jesus; and Tuloy Ang Palabas written by Layeta Bucoy with director Tuxqs Rutaquio.
Set C, called “YOLO”, brings to the stage Room 209 by Zheg Arban, directed by Delphine Buencamino; Hukay, written by Ophalain Margaux Serrano and directed by Melvin Lee; and Mga Halimaw Rin Kami by playwright Jules Pamisa and director Tats Soriano.
Plays in Set D, which was titled “Muwang”, include Hawaii, Here We Come! by playwright Shenn Apilado and director Mark Mirando; O’Donnell, written by Jerry O’Hara and directed by Issa Manalo Lopez; and Ang Tuyom by Marjay Manalastas, to be directed by Gio Potes.
But that’s not all of the plays you can expect to see! Three plays from VLF 17 will also be revisited in Set E, which bears the title “Hinog”. It’ll be comprised of Nay May Dala Akong Pansit by playwright Juan Ekis and director Karl Jingco; Punks Not Dead by Andrew Bonifacio Clete, directed by Roobak Valle; and Fermata written by Dustin Celestino, to be directed by Antonette Go-Yadao.
In case you missed it: Art’s new haven: Menarco Vertical Museum project
Above Rafa Siguion-Reyna (left) and Guelan Luarca in a scene from Carlo Vergara's "Edgar Allan Hemingway" at the Virgin Labfest 14 (Photo credit: Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest/Facebook.com)
Rafa Siguion-Reyna (left) and Guelan Luarca in a scene from Carlo Vergara's "Edgar Allan Hemingway" at the Virgin Labfest 14 (Photo credit: Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest/Facebook.com)
1 / 1
One of the highlights of this year’s Virgin Labfest is the return of staged readings. After a three-year hiatus, selected scripts from the VLF18 will be read in two sets.
Set 1 will feature My Lover’s Presscon by Ross Manicad, directed by Katreen Dela Cruz, followed by Kamay ng Orasan by playwright Marc Noesis Marquez and director Eljay Castro Deldoc.
Set 2 will showcase Sino Ang Pumatay Kay Mr Masangkay?, written by U Z. Eliserio and directed by Rolando T Inocencio back-to-back with TBT: Takbo, Batang Tondo from Mikaella Yoj B Sanchez and director Chic San Agustin.
Visitors may also look forward to the theatre talks featuring topics relevant to theatre actors, practitioners, and enthusiasts. You can expect this on June 9, 16, and 23 at 5pm in the basement of Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.
A playwrights’ fair for young and veteran playwrights will also be held to help aspiring writers hone their craft as they speak about their experiences and journeys, guided by acclaimed playwright and director Rody Vera in the basement of Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez on June 10, 17, and 24 at 5pm.
Catch the Writing Fellowship programme’s showcase from June 13 to 25 in the theatre’s basement. This is led by playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas and CCP’s artistic director Dennis Marasigan. The fellowship will end with a staged reading of the plays on June 25 at 5pm.
All three programmes (theatre talks, playwright’s fair, and writing fellowship’s showcase) are free to the public.
Above Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, located at the corner of Jalandoni and Sotto streets (Photo: CCP)
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, located at the corner of Jalandoni and Sotto streets (Photo: CCP)
1 / 1
Virgin Labfest 18 will be held on June 7 to 25 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. For tickets and other inquiries, get in touch with the CCP Box Office at salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph
NOW READ
A pas de deux of music and ballet by ABT Studio Company's “Rising Stars” and Cecile Licad
A look into Kristoffer del Villar’s “The World is My Oyster” celebration
Ballet Philippines’ ‘Diyosa’: a magical collision of many artistic forms
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
