8 Upcoming Women-Led Productions This 2026
The ladies are taking the lead. From a straight play about AI and grief to a genderbent steampunk historical musical to a meta-commentary on theater itself, women are bringing the whole gamut of human experience to the stage this year. Every show features women leading (on stage and off) and playing different kinds of characters that showcase the richness of the industry’s female talent.
These shows are directed by or written by women, and one even features an all-female cast! These are just some examples of the great art that can be created when we have stories with women at the helm. To commemorate National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day, we have gathered some of the productions that will bring such stories to the forefront in the next several months:
Mabining Mandirigma (Tanghalang Pilipino)
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This steampunk musical, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is back on stage and, like all its previous runs, Apolinario Mabini will be played by a woman, Shaira Opsimar with Anya Evangelista as understudy. Previously, the role was played by Delphine Buencamino (2015), Liesl Batucan with Hazel Maranan as understudy (2016), and Monique Wilson and Maranan (2019).
According to director Chris Millado, this choice is in line with Asian tradition, where “all noble characters like heroes, priests, intellectuals, are played by female actors.” This also reflects the marginalization of Mabini by the patriarchal ilustrado-cacique members of the revolutionary government who looked down on him because of his disability.
The show follows the life of a hero who, through his intellect and principles, called on Filipinos to rise above class, region, and self-interest in order to build a nation.
It is written by Nicanor Tiongson, with music by Joed Balsamo and direction by Millado. Joining Opsimar in the cast are Arman Ferrer and David Ezra alternating as Emilio Aguinaldo, and Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Mabini’s mother, Dionisia. MC Dela Cruz and Roby Malubay will play the Ilustrados, alongside members of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company—Marco Viaña, Jonathan Tadioan, Lhorvie Nuevo Tadioan, Mark Lorenz, Sarah Monay, Heart Puyong, Earvin Estioco, Gelo Molina, Rey Correjado, Ynna Rafa, Anya Evangelista, Sofia Sacaguing, and Murline Udin—as members of the ensemble.
Mabining Mandirigma will run from March 6 to 29, 2026, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.
anthropology (Barefoot Theatre Collaborative)
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The play is by Lauren Gunderson, and it tells the story of Merril, an expert AI programmer who, unable to accept the disappearance and death of her sister Angie, uses her skills to bring her back as artificial intelligence. What begins as solace and a coping mechanism quickly unravels into obsession, forcing painful questions about memory, ethics, and letting go.
This production is directed by Caisa Borromeo and features an all-female cast: Jenny Jamora as the AI programmer Merril, Maronne Cruz as her sister Angie, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Raquel, Merril’s ex-girlfriend and the voice of reason, and Jackie Lou Blanco as Brin, Merril and Angie’s estranged mother.
anthropology will run from March 13 to 29, 2026, at the Doreen Black Box, Areté.
A Chorus Line (Theatre Group Asia)
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This production is notably helmed by award-winning director and choreographer Karla Puno Garcia.
The musical follows the journey of dancers in the audition room, all vying for a place in the ensemble of a hit production. Beyond showcasing their technical prowess, they also need to share their personal stories to convince the director that they deserve a moment in the spotlight.
Jamie Wilson is assistant director while JM Cabling serves as associate choreographer. Broadway and Hollywood actor Conrad Ricamora takes the lead as Zach, and Fil-Am Broadway performer Lissa de Guzman appears as Cassie.
The rest of the cast is as follows: Christina Glur as Diana Morales; Angelo Soriano as Mike Costa; Michaela Marfori as Bebe Benzenheimer; Jordan Andrews as Al DeLuca; Rapah Manalo as Richie Walters; Ken San Jose as Mark Anthony; Stephen Viñas as Bobby Mills; Mikaela Regis as Sheila Bryant; Iya Villanueva as Maggie Winslow; Universe Ramos as Paul San Marco; Richardson Yadao as Larry; Julio Laforteza as Don Kerr; Brie Chappell as Val Clark; Sam Libao as Kristine; Alyanna Wijangco as Judy Turner; Jessica Carmona as Connie Wong; Luca Olbes as Gregory Gardner; Jim Ferrer as Butch Barton; Winchester Lopez as Roy; Rofe Villarino as Victor Vickers; Lord Kristofer Logmao as Frank; Paulina Luzuriaga as Tricia; Anna del Prado as Lois Dillettente; Bomba Ding as Gus; Franco Ramos as male swing; and Anyah de Guzman as female swing.
A Chorus Line will run from March 12 to 29, 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
Miranda and Yolanda (Encore Theater)
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This twin bill production features two tragicomedies by Floy Quintos.
Directed by Dexter M. Santos, these plays strip away the public façade of people in power, revealing the personal costs and moral compromises behind authority.
Evening at the Opera unfolds on the night of a major cultural event. As Miranda Beloto prepares for the opera she has organized, an intense exchange with her mother and her husband, Governor Bingo Beloto, exposes the cracks beneath a powerful dynasty’s polished façade.
The play features Ana Abad Santos as Miranda, Frances Makil-Ignacio as Mamang, and Joshua Cabiladas as Bingo.
Meanwhile, Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna takes place inside the presidential palace, set on the morning after the declaration of Martial Law, where hairstylist Marcel De Alba is summoned to serve President Yolanda Cadiz. Her penchant for royal image and protocol reveals the psychological shift brought about by absolute power.
The play features Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino as Yolanda, Topper Fabregas as Marcel, and Jules Dela Paz as Ministro.
Miranda & Yolanda will run from April 11 to May 3, 2026 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater.
Master Class (Philippine Opera Company)
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Set during a series of public master classes at Juilliard in the 1970s, the play (written by Terrence McNally) offers an intimate portrait of Maria Callas at the height of her myth and legacy. As she works with young opera singers, Callas relives the triumphs and heartbreaks of her storied career—her artistic struggles, her turbulent love life, and the sacrifices demanded by greatness. Through her exacting standards and brutally honest critiques, Callas challenges her students—and herself—to confront the true cost of art.
Directed by Jaime del Mundo, this production will star Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as the iconic opera star Maria Callas.
The Philippine Opera Company last staged Master Class in 2010. This production will be part of the company’s celebration of its 25th anniversary. Additional casting and other details on this production will be announced in due course.
Master Class will open on May 15 and will run for the entire month at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza.
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live sa Cheter! (Philippine Educational Theater Association)
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This show is the latest chapter in the Ang Babae sa Septic Tank franchise which is comprised of two films and a hit series. This franchise made a name for itself for its hyperreal, meta commentary on arts, culture, and society. This fourth entry shifts its focus to theater, exposing the messy, hilarious, and painfully relatable process of making theater in the Philippines today.
At the center of the story is Eugene Domingo, who returns as a heightened version of herself navigating the egos, ambitions, and absurdities of mounting a live show. Joining her are theater-makers portraying exaggerated reflections of their real-life roles in the industry: Meann Espinosa, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Andoy Ranay, and JC Santos.
Behind the scenes–but very much in front of the live audience–are more theater figures appearing as exaggerated versions of themselves: Melvin Lee as the producer, Marlon Rivera as the director, Joshua Lim So as the playwright.
The show is written by Chris Martinez, who also wrote the first three Septic Tank installments. It will be directed by Maribel Legarda, with assistance from Johnnie Moran.
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4 : Oh Sh*t! It’s Live sa Cheter! will run from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center.
On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan (9 Works Theatrical)
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The musical tells the story of real-life couple Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan and their journey to global success.
Directed by Robbie Guevara with musical direction by Daniel Bartolome, the show follows the Estefans from their early performing days in Miami to becoming international hitmakers. The story highlights their determination, creative partnership, and the personal and professional challenges they faced along the way.
Featuring music and lyrics by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, with songs popularized by Miami Sound Machine, and a book by Alexander Dinelaris Jr., the show is built around the music that helped bring Latin pop into the mainstream.
Casting and other details on this production will be announced in due course.
On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan will be running this July at the Proscenium Theater.
Cinderella, A Tale of the Glass Slipper (Repertory Philippines)
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This year’s offering for REP’s Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) follows a charming heroine who overcomes mistreatment from a hilariously wicked stepmother and outrageous stepsisters to finally go to the royal ball. With the help of her kind best friend, a silly rat named Putterman, and her magical Fairy Godmother—and facing a few twists and turns along the way—Cinderella reminds us that taking the first step is one thing you won’t ever regret.
The play has a book, music, and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman and this production will be co-directed by Joy Virata and Cara Barredo.
Casting and other details on this production will be announced in due course.
Cinderella, A Tale of the Glass Slipper will open in August 2026 at the REP Eastwood Theater.
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