The Act Avenue Theater Festival, a platform dedicated to championing local stories and
inspiring positive transformation through theater, presents the 2024 edition with the theme “Kwentong Barbero: Voices Unbound,” focused on promoting #Teatrolungan, a movement that empowers theater for social change and celebrates the narratives that reflect the heart of our communities.
The event will take place on January 11 (Saturday – Set A) and 12 (Sunday – Set B), 2024, at the PARC Foundation, San Juan City, and will gather 10 theater organizations from various universities and community-based groups across Luzon. These organizations have passionately worked to create performances that tackle relevant social issues, aiming to engage, inspire, and empower audiences.
THE PLAYS
SET A
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GENESIS TO JESUS Productions, Inc. Mandaluyong SET A: “BALIKBAYAN” |
DIRECTOR: Mel John Guimbaolibot
PLAYWRIGHT: Jhon Rheymel Lunes
CAST:
Carlo Del Barrio
Frida Andrade
Albert Chua
Luis Orbeso
Kaye Anne Diana
Mateo Oladive
PRODUCTION:
Dave Retuerne – Stage Manager
LOG LINE:
A year after Marcos was ousted from Malacañang, Jeff returns from Hawaii to his old home in Apang, Ilocos Sur. There, he finds himself confronting the hidden wounds of his family and the answers to the ghosts that haunt his dreams every night. As he pieces together fragments of his memories, Jeff gradually uncovers truths he never realized while living abroad.
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/GenesisToJesusTheatreProduction
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ARTES GLOBAL STI Global City SET A: “CHAT GPT” |
DIRECTOR: LLoyd Neville Reynoso
PLAYWRIGHT: Wilfredo Uriarte Jr. and ARTES Writers pool
CAST:
LLoyd Neville Reynoso
PRODUCTION:
Juan Miguel Ramos – Stage Manager
Chloe Vivo – Stage Manager
Jerah Mae Zano – Music Tech
Kenneth Cabingas – Visual Tech
Shuan Caril – Head Tech
LOG LINE:
In a gripping monodrama, high school student Eloi becomes enthralled by the ease and escapism offered by AI, only to find himself spiraling into digital dependency. As he engages with different versions of ChatGPT—ranging from helpful assistant to manipulative voice—Eloi grapples with the blurred boundaries between reality and technology. In his fight to regain control of his identity, Eloi must decide whether to break free from AI’s hold or succumb to a future where human connection is overshadowed by automation.
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063931366737
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C.A.S.T INC. University of Makati SET A: “JEEPNEY STOP “Isa sa kaliwa, isa pa rin sa kanan!”” |
DIRECTOR: John Kenrich Ignacio
PLAYWRIGHT: Emmil San Pedro and Ronie Protacio
CAST:
Rondell Angelo Tabor
Monica Daphne Nicole Quiapos
McDonuel Perdido
Lucky Romero
Demigillo Rebadio III
Lloyd Mari Silvestre
PRODUCTION:
Samantha Alberto – Stage Manager
SYNOPSIS:
The three students meet at a jeepney stop, embarking on a journey that mirrors life’s twists and turns. As the jeepney navigates the city’s streets, each path—whether smooth or bumpy—represents the choices and challenges ahead. With every “Para po!” they chase dreams, face obstacles, and reflect on the struggles of life. The youth, often emulating adult behavior, grapple with solving the world’s problems. The story highlights how these challenges can only be resolved by taking them one step at a time, just like life’s unpredictable ride.
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://web.facebook.com/castsaliako
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DULAANG RIZALIA Rizal Technological University SET A: “FACULTY ANTIKS” |
DIRECTOR: Jazel Shaine Lumpay
PLAYWRIGHT: Gino Bayotlang
CAST:
Paul Reynier Gatan
Aileen Raquepo
Ailla Grace, Fantonalgo
Roshelle Marie Gealon
Neil Geoffer Peñaranda
Jose Rafael Yasis
PRODUCTION:
Lorenzo Luis Capa – Stage Manager
LOG LINE:
In a sacred Catholic school, two quirky teachers and best friends navigate the ups and downs of their daily lives with humor and loyalty. But when unexpected chaos erupts in their usually peaceful faculty room, brought in by each new visitor, their unshakable bond is tested. As personal desires and challenges threaten their friendship, they must decide how far their loyalty will stretch when their own happiness is on the line.
FACEBOOK PAGES: https://www.facebook.com/DulaangRizaliaBoni https://www.facebook.com/RTUDulaangRizalia
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PAUICAN Theater Ensemble Bicol University College of Arts and Letters SET A: “PATAYIN SA BARBERSHOP SI BARBARA” |
DIRECTOR: Shaira Mae Nase
PLAYWRIGHT: Jobert Grey Landeza
CAST:
Romeo D. Jacob Jr.
Jaira Esperida
Francis James Daep
Genard Encarnacion
Reina Mae Revilla
John Patrick Martinez
PRODUCTION:
Jobert Grey Landeza – Stage Manager
LOG LINE:
Trapped in a loop, Barbara together with her Mom needs to solve the mystery of why she is repeatedly being murdered inside the barbershop. Of course, it is somehow connected with her hair. But how?
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/bucalpauical18?mibextid=LQQJ4d
THE PLAYS
SET B
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TANGHALANG LYKEION Lyceum of the Philippines University of Cavite SET B: “BULAG, PIPI AT BINGI” |
DIRECTOR: Khiro Amiel Arbiz
PLAYWRIGHT: Rania Ameri Asong, Angelica Trylle Bico, Janie Marie Peleño & Trixie Serrato STORY: Diosary Timbol
CAST:
Janie Marie Peleño
Ma. Arra Cecilia Lison
Rania Ameri Asong
Dan Christian Panganiban
PRODUCTION:
Khyla Devera – Stage Manager
Matthew Trinidad – Production Manager
LOG LINE:
“Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi” portrays the lives of three women confronting significant personal and societal challenges. Carmen, a blind woman, prays for sight and grapples with isolation, despite her faith. Lina, subjected to abuse and silenced by fear, seeks to reclaim her voice and self- worth. Rita, a working student, defies doubters who belittle her due to her gender and socioeconomic status. The play intertwines their stories, emphasizing their struggles and resilience as women. Despite facing blindness, muteness, and deafness, they unite in their quest for recognition and equality, asserting their strength and determination in a world that often marginalizes them.
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/TanghalangLykeion
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553849155652
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TANGHALANG BATINGAW Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila SET B: “TIFTUO” |
DIRECTOR: Jeanne Latrell Bermal
PLAYWRIGHT: Christian Mikee Ricafort
CAST:
Kurtney Luv
Eco Navarro
Jeo Barlomento
Christine Andres
Maricar Villon
PRODUCTION:
Kate Arbby Manahan – Stage Manager
LOG LINE:
Jackson’s Senior High School has given the students freedom to wear ANYTHING their heart’s desire for their first day of classes to properly show who they are as a person and make a good first impression to the people they may or may not form a connection with. Knowing this, Jackson struggles to pick the right outfit that will properly show his character while also having to face the objections and clear stereotypes that go with it. One of which, from his mother.
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/LPU.TBatingaw
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PERPETUAL THEATER COLLECTIVE University of Perpetual Help System Laguna SET B: “ISA DALAWA” |
DIRECTOR: Sydney Ray Almarinez
PLAYWRIGHT: Bryan Neil Ladim
CAST:
Bryan Neil Ladim
Carl Vincent Magistrado
PRODUCTION:
Louie James Layola – Stage Manager
SYNOPSIS:
Bryan Ladim’s play Isa-Dalawa revolves around a forbidden relationship between a teacher and a student. Despite their love, they face challenges rooted in their profession, age difference, and societal norms. Set in a modern apartment, the characters grapple with emotional conflicts as they weigh right and wrong, as well as their futures. The play reveals the complexities of love and sacrifice amid forbidden desires.
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/UPHSLCCA
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TEATRO CAYSASAY Our Lady Of Caysasay Academy SET B: “ANG PINAKAMAGANDANG DYOSA SA BALAT NG LUPA” |
DIRECTOR: Armyr A. Encarnacion
PLAYWRIGHT: Armyr A. Encarnacion
CAST:
Kino Miguel M. Ferrer
Eijeleen N. Moredo
Denzel Edward E. Regio
Pierce Khyoe M. Malaluan
Marc Andrei M. Divino
Jasmine Ysobel P. Paña
Rhaine G. Panganiban
LOG LINE:
In Ang Pinakamagandang Dyosa sa Balat ng Lupa, Dyosa, a brilliant young woman often overlooked due to her unconventional appearance, embarks on a heartwarming and comedic journey when she unexpectedly falls for Marcus, the charming leader of the popular campus group P4. Initially entering a pact to win her affection, Marcus soon uncovers the true depth of Dyosa’s beauty, challenging societal norms and showcasing the transformative power of kindness. Through humor and heartfelt moments, the story celebrates self-acceptance, proving that true beauty lies beyond appearances in one’s character and actions.
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553849155652
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UE DRAMA COMPANY University of the East SET B: AURATEL: WE KRIYEYT ISTORIS |
DIRECTOR: Mark Norman S. Boquiren
PLAYWRIGHT: Mark Norman S. Boquiren
CAST:
Alexandrea K. Gonzales
Keanne Jodie M. Zulueta
Orveil John R. Day-Yo
Jane Mae M. Marzan
Christian Lee D. Dote
PRODUCTION:
Mikhail Andrew Fernandez / Edrian Samson / Joervy J. De Vera – Stage Manager
Matthew Trinidad – Production Manager
LOG LINE:
AURATEL: We Kriyeyt Istoris” is a one-act play that is a farce set in a three-star urban hotel with a front-desk clerk aspiring to be the image model of her workplace, a dream that is questioned by the hotel’s security
guard. That dream gets complicated with the arrival of their highly unusual hotel guests: a provincial politician, his public relations officer, and the politician’s stepsister. Later, their secrets are unveiled and the situation gets crazier.
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://web.facebook.com/uedramacompany
