CAST PH Annual Staged Readings Returns in January 2026
Just like in previous years, the 2026 theatrical calendar begins with CAST PH’s (The Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre) annual staged readings.
According to the company, the series began in 2018 “…as a way of presenting thought-provoking and challenging material, delivered by some of the best actors in Metro Manila, in the most cost-effective way possible.” The series features four plays presented over four consecutive Sundays, unified under a single theme. Now in its sixth season, the theme will be RE-ORIENT — Narratives from Asian Voices.
Artistic Director Nelsito Gomez shares, “We’re very excited for our audiences to experience the powerful plays we’ve chosen, all written by exemplary Asian playwrights. It’s our small way of ‘re-orienting’ people toward the riches of Asian narratives in theater. All four plays deal, in essence, with what it means to be Asian in our increasingly complex—and often hostile—global context. Topics such as cultural assimilation, fealty to a kingdom, unquestioning familial obedience, and reclaiming Eastern stories are tackled with intelligence, humanity, and a lot of humor.”
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As is customary with the CAST PH Staged Reading Series, the titles of the plays will not be revealed, encouraging audiences to experience all four works as a thematic whole.
“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the calibre of artists who are very willing to join us every year,” Gomez adds. “And the RE-ORIENT season is no exception. Audiences are in for a treat.”
The plays will take place over the course of four weeks (every Sunday), starting on January 11 with Play #1, directed by Sarah Facuri. The cast features Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Justine Peña, Jordan Andrews, Chaye Mogg, and Mayen Bustamante-Cadd.
On January 18, Play #2 will be directed by Jaime del Mundo. The cast features Tarek El Tayech and Nelsito Gomez.
On January 25, Play #3 will be directed by Guelan Varela-Luarca. The cast features Jenny Jamora, Zoë De Ocampo, Jam Binay, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Dolly de Leon, and Roselyn Perez, with stage directions to be read by Monty Uy.
Finally, on February 1, Play #4 will be directed by Caisa Borromeo. The cast features Jillian Ita-as, Kakki Teodoro, George Schulze, Yanah Laurel, Alfredo Reyes, and Miren Alvarez-Fabregas.
Joining the series for the first time, playwright and director Guelan Varela-Luarca adds, “Check out which theater companies and theater festivals hold staged readings—then you’ll see which spaces are truly committed to new writing and the development of original works. I’m stoked to jump-start work on my new play through CAST PH’s annual readings, and grateful that this cool thing exists.”
There will only be 100 seats per performance, priced at P500 each. Season passes for all four plays are available at P1,800 until December 31 only. For tickets, visit the company’s Google Form. All performances will be held at The Mirror Theatre Studios, 5th floor, SJG Centre, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. Performance times are at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
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