3 University-Based Productions this September 2026
Here are three university-based theater productions that you can watch at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) this September.
1. Orasho Empirata by PUP Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory
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PUP Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory, the resident student theater organization of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines under the University Center for Culture and the Arts, is set to conclude its 44th theater season with Orasho Empirata, a triple-bill production running on September 2–3 and 10–12 at Bulwagang Balagtas and Tanghalang PUP.
The production features three plays: Sa Babaeng Lahat by Elise Santos, originally staged at Virgin Labfest 19: Pintog in 2024 and restaged as one of the festival’s Revisited Plays in 2025; Mga Halimaw Rin Kami by Jules Pamisa, which was staged at Virgin Labfest 18: Hitik in 2023; and Anino ng Pagtubos by Aldrine Anzures, which won First Prize in the Dulang May Isang Yugto (Filipino Division) category at the 2025 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.
The title Orasho Empirata takes inspiration from Oratio Imperata, reimagined as a childlike mishearing and used as a metaphor for how young people inherit, reinterpret, and challenge the beliefs and traditions handed down to them. Bound by a shared language of satire and socio-cultural critique, the three plays explore guilt, moral choices, and the struggle for redemption through stories involving violent crime, supernatural beings confronting human corruption, and adolescent faith and sexuality.
Rather than offering easy answers, the production poses the question: “Sino ang nagtatakda ng mga bawal, at sino ang may karapatang magtakda kung ano ang tama?”
“As time evolves, PUP-SLP goes beyond the traditional spotlight. We march alongside the masses to bring their stories to the stage. In the years ahead, we aim to build a theater movement that contributes directly to social commentary, echoes justice, and protects human lives,” says PUP Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory Artistic Director Istifen Dagang Kanal.
The production is directed by Kanal, Charle’s “Apos” Lopez, and Joseph Carl Navarrete, with set design by Pam Bantigue.
For tickets and updates, follow PUP Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory on Facebook and Instagram or register through the production’s official ticketing form.
2. Ang Ibang Lady Gaga by PUP Tanghalang Molave
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PUP Tanghalang Molave, the official theater organization of the Department of Performing Arts at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, is set to stage Ang Ibang Lady Gaga, adapted from Stefani J. Alvarez’s Ang Autobiografia ng Ibang Lady Gaga, on September 17 and 18 at Tanghalang PUP.
Directed by Emma Esguerra and Mark Rosadeño, the production opens Tanghalang Molave’s sixth theater season and asks audiences, “Sino nga ba ang ibang Lady Gaga?” Its campaign invites audiences to follow the clues and discover who among the cast will take on the role of Jackie, or the “Ibang Lady Gaga.”
Ang Ibang Lady Gaga uses fragmented storytelling to depict the life and experiences of Alvarez. Developed from the book’s 89 flash fictions, or dagli, the production follows her experiences as a Filipino migrant worker in Saudi Arabia while recalling her life in the Philippines as a child, sibling, queer person, writer, sex worker, lover, and as Jackie, the person she once was, through the process of transitioning into her present identity.
The creative team includes Esguerra and Rosadeño (directors), Flyx (head dramaturg), Mary Katherine De Guzman, Daniel Deniega, and Yzzabelle Lastra (assistant dramaturgs), Paul Cariaga (movement dramaturg), Justine Lukban (set designer), Aerhon Jhon G. Formadero and Resse Aplaca (lighting designers), Atasha Recto and Arthur James Dayao (sound designers), and Ayen Bilang (costume, hair, and makeup designer).
The cast features Cennon Pecayo, Charlyn Balmes, Echo Harris, Jace Andres, Leon Xeqen Pausing, Mark Laniog, Mikhail Manjares, and Rainier Iguin. Their respective roles remain undisclosed as part of the production’s ongoing campaign to uncover the identity of the “Ibang Lady Gaga.”
Performances are scheduled for September 17 at 1 PM and 4 PM and September 18 at 1 PM and 4 PM. All shows will be held at Tanghalang PUP at the COC Compound, Anonas St., Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Tickets are priced at ₱60 for PUP students and ₱120 for outside guests. Reservations may be made through PUP Tanghalang Molave’s official social media pages (@tanghalangmolave.pup).
3. The Anti-Color Division by UA&P ViARE
UA&P ViARE is set to open its 33rd season with The Anti-Color Division, an original play written and directed by alumna Alyannah Solis, beginning September 21 at the University of Asia and the Pacific.
Set in a fictional paint factory, The Anti-Color Division follows Art (Kay Cabacungan) and Julia (Reese Garcia) as they navigate a changing culture and system brought about by emerging trends and the arrival of a new CEO, Mr. Whitman (Rafa Racho). When growing demand for neutral paints threatens the place of colored paints, Art and Julia find themselves conflicted over what they truly value in their work.
Joining Cabacungan, Garcia, and Racho in the cast are ensemble members JD Caparas, Kyri Maramo, Tobey Perez, and Abram Erna.
The creative team includes Solis (writer and director), Anton Arevalo (set and props), John Lacson and Tiger Bitanga (sound), Raffy de la Cruz and Syamie Gambe (lighting), and Andie Sia (costumes and makeup).
The production begins its run on September 21. Final performance dates and the specific venue within the university have yet to be announced. Follow ViARE on Facebook and Instagram (@officialviare) for updates.
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