By: Madelaine Durante
Virgin Labfest (VLF) finally returns to the stage with a live crowd this June 2022, featuring 12 new plays that are originally written by Filipino writers.
For their 17th year, VLF will take on the theme “Hinga” (Breath) for 2022 to “underline the need to breathe, to be present and feel alive.”
“After being isolated in our houses, we now focus on the importance of community — the need to share space and time and revel in one another’s presence — and the urgency of theatre and performance,” said VLF festival director Tess Jamias who is sharing the role with TP associate director Marco Viaña.
Set A: Life is Full of Surprises (June 16 and 25) include: Walang Bago sa Dulang Ito by Eljay Castro Deldoc, Mga Balo by Maki dela Rosa, and Bituing Marikit by Bibeth Orteza; Set B: Life is Strange Fiction (June 17 and 26) has Absurdo Events Day by BJ Crisostomo, Liberation by Jerry O’Hara, and Nay May Dala Akong Pansit by Juan Ekis; Set C: School of Life (June 18 and 23) features Unica Hijas by Mikaela Regis, Punks Not Dead by Andrew Clete, and Student’s Handbook by Anthony Kim Vergara; and Set D: Life Choices (June 19 & 24) consists of Fermata by Dustin Celestino, Huling Haraya Nina Ischia at Emeteria by Ryan Machado, and Bienvenuta al lido De Venecia by George Vail Kabristante.
The festival also brings back its anticipated programs such as the Writing Fellowship Program showcase, under the mentorship of award-winning playwright Glenn Mas and directed by Dennis Marasigan, and The Playwright’s Fair with VLF artistic director Rody Vera, and the CCP Intertextual Division.
Virgin Labfest is set to premiere the 12 new plays at Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater). Tickets for the shows are on sale via Ticketworld.com.ph. It will be followed by an online streaming of the plays from June 30 to July 10 with tickets sold at Ticket2Me.net.
For more information, visit the CCP website, http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/ and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for latest updates.
What do you think about VLF’s plays this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Photo from Virgin Labfest