The Act Avenue Theater Festival Returns This May with 22 Original Plays

The Act Avenue Theater Festival Returns This May with 22 Original Plays

The Act Avenue Theater Festival returns this May, bringing together 22 original short plays from university-based and independent theater groups across Metro Manila, alongside select regional collectives.

Founded in 2020, the festival has positioned itself as a platform for emerging and established voices in the local theater scene. It continues to spotlight original works that engage with contemporary social, cultural, and political issues.

For its 2026 edition, the festival adopts the theme Mulat: Awakening from Apathy, encouraging both artists and audiences to move beyond indifference and confront present-day realities. The theme underscores a call not only for awareness, but for reflection and response.

The festival is guided by three core principles: Malaya (freedom of thought and creative expression), Tindig (conviction, courage, and advocacy), and Pagbabago (transformation through action and collective support).

Festival Details

This year’s staging will take place at the NCCA, Intramuros (Tanghalang Leandro V. Locsin). The program is divided into four curated sets across two days:

• Set A: Malaya – May 16 (Saturday), 2:00 PM
• Set B: Tindig – May 16 (Saturday), 6:00 PM
• Set C: Pagbabago – May 17 (Sunday), 2:00 PM
• Set D: Featured Plays & Awards Night – May 17 (Sunday), 6:00 PM

Each set features selected entries from participating groups, alongside a featured production by Act Avenue.

Lineup of Plays

SET A: Malaya
She — Guang Ming Theatre Ensemble
Pa-Quiapo — PUP Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory
Aninong Pula — Genesis to Jesus Production Inc.
Ang Panahon ng mga Anino — A-Team Production
This is a Movie — Martial Matters
Cassie — Performing Arts Union Integrated for Culture, Arts and Nature (PAUICAN)

SET B: Tindig
Blondina, Brunetti and the Dead Body — Ampersand Collective
Barya — Entabladong Alab
Ant Control — CAST
Plumat-Itak — Student Theater Artist Repertory
Republik-Stein — Ang Republik
Damay — Hulagway Production
Antipara — Dulaang Oyayi Theater Arts – PUPSPC

SET C: Pagbabago
Rebranding — RTU Dulaang Rizalia
Sa Sandaling Hinga — Teatre Phileo
Historya — The Corner Studio
Kendi — Teatro de Letran
A Pair of Two Aces — Tanghalang Batingaw
Reklamasyon Headquarters — University of the East Drama Company

The festival concludes with Set D, which will feature a homegrown production by Act Avenue alongside selected featured works. The evening will culminate in an awards ceremony recognizing standout productions, artists, and participating groups.

Featured works include:
Balikbayan by John Rheymel Lunes
Pangarap kong maging Serial Keller by Jomari Jacinto
Patayin sa Barbershop si Barbara by Jobert Landeza

The 2026 edition is helmed by festival director Alex Baylon, with Xander Go serving as Act Avenue’s artistic director.