The Be Our Guest Theater (BOGT) Philippines will represent the Philippines at the prestigious 18th Mondial du Théâtre in Monaco, from August 20 to 27, 2025. This marks their third international theater festival after Canada (2019) and Germany (2021, 2022), marking a significant milestone for Filipino artistry on the global stage.
To make this momentous event possible, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and BOGT Philippines will premiere 13th of September in the Philippines with a fundraising send-off show on August 10, 3 pm and 7 pm, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex.
Proceeds from the show will help cover essential expenses for the delegation’s participation in this important project.
Ticket prices: P 1,000 (Center) and P 800 (sides).
Tickets are available at Ticketworld, CCP Box Office, or through this link.
“13th of September,” an adaptation by three-time Palanca awardee Eljay Castro Deldoc from Lanie Robertson’s “The Insanity of Mary Girard,” will feature a groundbreaking reimagined staging under the direction of ALIW and LEAF awardee Riki Benedicto, whose directorial works have not only been presented but have also won awards on the international stage.
Acclaimed film and theater director Andoy Ranay will take on the challenging lead role of Mary Girard, promising a performance that will elevate the production to new, more powerful heights, together with actors Lao Rodriguez and Drew Espenocilla.
The play delves deeper into profound and timely themes, tackling issues of empowerment, injustice, power play, and the complexities of sanity.
Its narrative of overcoming adversity and asserting one’s voice has already resonated with audiences in previous international showcases at the Festival International de Théâtre de Mont-Laurier 2019, Canada, and THEATERWELTEN 2021 and 2022.
BOGT producers Katreen Dela Cruz (production and stage manager), JayLo Conanan (production designer), Roldan Lozano (lighting designer), and Ces Valera (projection designer) complete the delegation of nine who will fly to Monaco this August.
The BOGT Philippines delegation, driven by pure passion, is eager to share this impactful work with the world.
BOGT Philippines is an independent, non-profit theater company established in 2019 by a group of professional theater, events, and film practitioners from Manila, Philippines. Its key objectives are to create and produce performances for international theater festivals and to strengthen the visibility of Philippine theater on the global stage.
The historic performances in Monaco are scheduled for August 26 and 27, at the renowned Princess Grace Theater, where “13th of September” will have the honor of closing the festival alongside esteemed productions from Lithuania and Morocco.
This marks the second time the Philippines will participate in this esteemed quadrennial festival since its founding in 1957.
The Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) was the first Philippine delegation to the Mondial du Théâtre back in 1997. Their production of Labaw Donggon, a powerful dance-drama based on the Visayan epic, brought Filipino artistry to the world stage. It featured the music by Gawad CCP awardee Joey Ayala, direction and choreography by National Artist Agnes Locsin, set design by Bob Feleo, a script by Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, and led by Tangahalang Pilipino artistic director Nanding Josef. The PHSA’s performance was a brilliant showcase of the talent, creativity, and spirit of Philippine theater.
BOGT Philippines extends its deepest gratitude to Fire and Ice Studio, Beyond Concepts Photo Studio, the Office of the First Lady, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines for their invaluable contributions and for creating a space where Philippine theater can thrive.
For those wishing to explore other ways to support or contribute to BOGT Philippines, feel free to reach out via Instagram (@bogtphl) or Facebook (/BOGTphl).
