‘Punk’s Not Dead’ to be Staged in Negros Occidental this July

‘Punk’s Not Dead’ to be Staged in Negros Occidental this July

Punk’s Not Dead, which premiered at the Virgin Labfest in 2022 and returned as part of the festival’s revisited set the following year, will be staged by ArtServe Philippines this July in Negros Occidental.

Written by Andrew Bonifacio Clete, the contemporary Filipino play confronts issues of police brutality, power, justice, and accountability.

Set during the distribution and retrieval of learning modules, the story begins when a mother questions a discriminatory item stating that “Ang tattoo ay simbolo ng pagiging kriminal.” As she reveals her own tattoo reading “Punk’s Not Dead,” another parent who happens to be a policeman enters the scene, sparking a confrontation that exposes deeply ingrained prejudices.

The production stars Keith Sumbi as Bering, Tresha Amando as Ms. Apple, and ArtServe Philippines founder Janno Castillo as Arthur. Directed by Mery Grace Rama-Mission, it runs from July 24 to 26 at 7 PM at Balay Kauswagan in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Tickets are priced at P150 and may be reserved through ArtServe Philippines’ Google Form.

ArtServe Philippines is a community-based theater organization based in Sagay City that aims to make the performing arts more accessible through productions, workshops, cultural initiatives, and artistic collaborations.

In support of the local arts community, 10% of ticket sales will be donated to Balsahanay Film Making Movement, a Sagay-based filmmaking organization dedicated to developing local storytellers and promoting independent cinema.

The initiative reflects a shared vision between ArtServe Philippines and playwright Andrew Bonifacio Clete to strengthen grassroots arts communities. Clete granted permission for the production to be staged without royalty fees, allowing a portion of the proceeds to be directed toward supporting another local arts organization.

Through the production, ArtServe Philippines hopes to contribute to the growth of Negros Occidental’s cultural ecosystem while encouraging greater community engagement in the arts.