7 University-Based Productions this November 2025
Here are seven university-based productions running in FEU, UST, UP Diliman, and Ateneo de Manila University this November.
1. Karne by FEU Theater Guild
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FEU Theater Guild’s Karne, which opened on September 11, continues to run until November 8 at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio.
Written and directed by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Senior Artist-Teacher and FTG Artistic Director Dudz Teraña, Karne is a reimagining of Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter, inviting audiences into the aromatic, simmering home of a 1980s Filipino couple—where every glance is loaded, every silence loud, and the kitchen holds more secrets than spices.
Set in Lubotan, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental in 1980, Karne combines absurdity with sincerity, and laughter with quiet dread. It is part comedy, part mystery, part love letter to the mundane rhythms of rural life, blending Bisaya, Tagalog, and English into a living, breathing household.
At the heart of the story are Mary and Police Captain Patrick Patrosa, a seemingly ordinary couple navigating the everyday challenges of married life. Mary is portrayed by Maria Mayano (IAS’26), with Julia Nicole Ramas (FIT’26) and Janae Dionisio (IAS’28) alternating in the role, while Patrick is played by RB Pascua (IAS’25), Aaron Bayani (IAS’25), and Arvin Javier (IAS’28). What begins as a quiet evening soon unravels into a chaotic yet poignant reflection on intimacy, expectations, and the fragile ties that bind both relationships and communities together, as a simple dinner spirals into deeper personal and collective struggles that affect the entire barangay of Lutoban.
Supporting the couple are their close friends—Dante (Jonas Cunanan [IAS’25], Renz Dotillos [IAS’26], Jharelle Villalobos [IAS’27]), Ellen (Dianne Andallo [IAS’26], Maria Ysabelle Delos Reyes [IAS’27]), and Maloi (Bjorn Pestaño [IAS’26], Margarita Barrameda [IAS’26], Sheila Peralta [IABF’26])—as well as Patrick’s colleagues: Police Lieutenant Elnar (Arvin Javier [IAS’28], Shawn Tarala [IAS’27]), Patrolman Enopia (Kristian Samson [IAS’26], Justin Abalos [IAS’28]), and Patrolman Credo (Dave Bambang [IARFA’29], Kirstan Orbegoso [IAS’27]). Completing the cast is the tandem of grandmother and grandchild: Mrs. Poblacion (Cassandra Herilla [IAS’27], Irish Oliveros [IAS’28], Trisha Tan [IAS’28]) and Estong/Estang (Lorenze Moral [IAS’26], Nash Desonyo [FIT’28], Heleina Li [IAS’26]). The ensemble is rounded out by the lively market vendor Samuel, portrayed by Julian Anabo (IAS’26) and Migi Mesina (IAS’27).
The house opens at 6 PM, and the show starts at 6:30 PM. Ticket prices are P200 (students from outside FEU Manila), P500 (regular guests), and P700 (VIP). Tickets may be purchased through the organization’s Google Form.
2. Paano Man Ang Ibig by Tanghalang Ateneo
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Tanghalang Ateneo opens its 47th season, “Her Voice Re-Sounds (Boses Babae Nagbabanyuhay),” with Paano Man Ang Ibig, National Artist Rolando S. Tinio’s Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
Set against the backdrop of political tension and exile, the play follows Rosalinda and her cousin Celia as they flee a tyrannical court and seek refuge in the Forest of Ardén. There, they discover a space of freedom and possibility, where hierarchical walls fall away, and exiled noblemen, earnest shepherds, sincere lovers, and witty jesters meet each other on common ground. Along the way, questions of gender, power, and desire unfold, and love blossoms in unexpected ways.
Serving as this season’s trainee production, Paano Man Ang Ibig continues Tanghalang Ateneo’s tradition of reimagining classical works through a Filipino lens. Opening the season, it sets the tone for stories that center the woman’s voice—not only in opposition, but in healing, joy, and solidarity.
The production is also the undergraduate set design thesis production of Julia Macuja, under the advisement of Tata Tuviera.
This season’s roster of trainees include Chloe Abella as Rosalinda, Petes Castillo as Celia, Meeka Sayaboc as Orlando, Enrico Figueroa as Oliveros, Angelica Beatrice Vicente as Adan, Chen Lee as Duke Federico, Gabrielle Stephanie Taño as La Guapa, Quin Del Rosario as Carlos, Jamil E. Datudacula II as Tocapiedra, Princess Mae Oliveros as Duke Ama, Aleczandra Luna as Jakwis, Nadia Tuviera as Amiens, Thandie Aliño as Silvio, Erica Deliguer and Ysabelle Dominique Asoy as Korina, Abigail Louise G. Narvaiza and Cadence Velas as Audrey, Javen Ashley Silvestre and Bianca Lucia de Guzman as Pebe, Joseph Lim as Guillermo, and Sofia Bangit, Javen Ashley Silvestre, Nadia Tuviera, Abigail Louise G. Narvaiza, Cadence Velas, and Sashira Natalie Esperanza as Mga Basalyo.
The production is directed by Cholo Ledesma. Joining him in the artistic team are Marta Muñoz (assistant direction), Sabrina Basilio (dramaturgy), Sage Ilagan (musical direction and original music), Julia Macuja (set design), Amina Javellana (costume design), Jarno Malonzo (lighting design), Uriel Tibayan (sound design), Katriel Garcia (choreography), Jules Edar Ballaran (photography), Bryce Tamayo (graphic Design), Val Ayento (assistant graphic design), and Serena Magiliw (intimacy coordination).
Paano Man Ang Ibig runs from November 7 to 9, and 14 to 16 at the Gonzaga Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. Tickets can be purchased through the organization’s Google Form.
3. Binibining Maria Clara by Artistang Artlets
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Sa kalagitnaan ng Binibining Maria Clara Pageant, dalawang beauty queens ang makukulong sa dressing room nang magkaroon ng malakas na lindol.
A story extravaganza about self-reflection and bridging relationships, the play aims to merge glam, comedy, and realizations in a fun and entertaining celebration of love and beauty.
Written by Tiffany Chanel Ducusin, directed by Claudette Francesca Bayabay and Juliana Domingo, and managed by Natalie Aaren Tolentino, Binibining Maria Clara will run on November 8 at the UST Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC) Auditorium. Available time slots are at 1:00 PM, 2:30PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:30PM.
Ticket prices are at 250php for Regular and 200php for Thomasians. Tickets are available through the organization’s Google Form.
4. Kontrata Kontra Tao by Teatro Tomasino
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Teatro Tomasino is set to stage Kontrata Kontra Tao, featuring two plays that examine injustice among workers. The twin bill explores the dangers of violent labor through “Joe Cool: Aplikante” by Joshua Lim So and “Absurdo: Event Day” by BJ Crisostomo, directed by Ingrid Joyce, Angel Ocampo, and Marga Alfar.
Sa panahon kung saan patuloy na laganap ang karahasan sa sistema ng trabaho, ang produksyon ay nagsisilbing tulay upang mabigyang pribilehiyo ang manonood na maunawaan kung paano unti-unti at kolektibong mabubuwag ang kapaitang matagal nang naka-ukit sa proseso ng pagtrabaho.
Kontrata Kontra Tao will run on November 13 (12 NN, 3 PM, and 6 PM), November 14–15 (10 AM, 12:30 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM), and November 16 (11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM) at the UST Miguel de Benavides Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas.
For ticket inquiries and more information, contact Kervin Nobleza (0915 123 5959) or Christian Ayque (0905 364 0166).
5. Para Kay Tony: Tungo sa Ginintuang Alaala by Dulaang UP
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Dulaang UP returns to the stage by paying tribute to its founder and National Artist for Theater Antonio ‘Tony’ Mabesa. The tribute, titled Para kay Tony: Tungo sa Ginintuang Alaala, is a twin bill showcasing two productions that capture the spirit of Dulaang UP’s nearly five-decade history.
The first half of the twin bill is a staging of Kalahating Oras sa Isang Kumbento by Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero as translated by Lilia F. Antonio. The story follows Yolanda, a student at a convent school, who seeks comfort and companionship after being expelled.
UP Diliman theatre arts student Lloyd Sarmiento Uy serves as director, alongside director-mentor Erika Estacio. The cast includes Kris Caaya, Rona Lynne, Jan Magcaling, Paulyn Abando, Janna Talampas, Gena Suelto, and Sheryll Ceasico.
The second play features National Artist Rolando Tinio’s May Katwiran ang Katwiran. The plot centers on Senyor, a wealthy haciendero who persuades his servant to join him on a journey across the mountains. Along the way, they encounter obstacles that threaten their survival.
The staging is led by theatre arts student MJ Briones with director-mentor Charles Yee. Performing in the play are Francheska Andaya, Julianne Quimio, Akin Cullarin, Pat Ebro, Kerr Allen, Camille Fabian, and Daniel Duplon.
Para Kay Tony is part of Dulaang UP’s 48th theatre season “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?” The season is part of a multi-year initiative building to Dulaang UP’s 50th anniversary.
The show runs at the IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman, on the following dates:
November 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28 (7:30 PM)
November 15, 22, and 29 (2:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
November 16, 23, and 30 (10:30 AM & 2:30 PM)
Tickets are priced at Php 1000 each and can be purchased through TicketMelon. Interested patrons may also buy tickets onsite at the Dulaang UP Office at Pavilion 3, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. UP students, faculty, and staff can enjoy a discounted rate of P500.
6. The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals by Ateneo blueREP
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Ateneo blueREP is set to stage The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals as its newbie production for its 34th season.
Everything in Hatchetfield seemed normal until people began singing… Then, they began dancing… And now, a musical pandemic is sweeping the entire city. It’s up to Paul (an average guy who doesn’t like musicals) and his friends to stop this musical apocalypse and fight for humanity’s future.
The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals is written by Nick and Matt Lang, with music and lyrics by Jeff Blim. The blueREP production is directed by Diandra Lee, with musical direction by Miguel dela Cruz, choreography by Dia Papio, set design by Charles Yee, costume design by Paul Martinez, lighting design by Jethro Nibaten, technical direction by Adriane Ungriano, brand design by Kirsten Ortega, and sound design and engineering by Andy Reysio-Cruz.
The show runs on November 14, 7 PM and on November 15 to 16 at 2 PM and 7 PM at the Rizal Mini Theater of Ateneo de Manila University. It is currently sold out.
7. Pagkagat ng Dilim by The UP Repertory Company
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For its 53rd year, this season, the UP Repertory Company presents a twin-bill production titled Pagkagat ng Dilim (When Darkness Falls), featuring two plays: Aswang as You Love Me by U. Z. Eliserio and Delibiri by J. Villasis.
Ang mga dulang ito ay parehong makabago at mahalaga sa isang lipunang nahaharap sa mga suliraning pampulitika, panlipunan, at hindi pagkakapantay-pantay. Ang dalawang dula, na may magkaibang estilo at pamamaraan, ay may malalim na pag-aalala sa mga karanasan ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ang mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan. Sa parehong mga dula, binibigyan ng puwang ang mga tinig ng mga inaapi, at ang kanilang mga kwento ay inilahad sa pamamagitan ng mga makapangyarihan, kadalasang madilim na komedya, at mga nakaantig na naratibo.
Aswang as You Love Me, directed by Eshei Mesina III, is a satirical comedy that exposes the moral decay of the intellectual elite. It explores issues of colonial mentality, patriarchy, and the systemic cruelty that shapes the lives of the privileged—those complicit in structures of oppression.
Delibiri, directed by Vin Daniel Ramos, is a monologue that portrays the life of a delivery rider, tackling themes such as poverty, labor exploitation, state violence, and the dehumanization of society’s most marginalized. It sheds light on the daily struggles of ordinary Filipinos, particularly low-wage workers in unsafe and unjust conditions under an oppressive system.
The performances will be held on November 27–29, 2025, at 2 PM and 6 PM, at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Parola, UP Fine Arts, University of the Philippines Diliman.
The show is rated R-16. Tickets may be purchased through the organization’s Google Form.
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