After the successful run of VLF XX: Hinog, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc. (TP), and the Writer’s Bloc Inc. have officially announced the lineup for Virgin Labfest 21.
This much-anticipated edition of the annual theater festival will return in June 2026, continuing its tradition of championing bold, original works. The festival will showcase 12 “virgin” plays—fresh pieces that are untried, untested, and unstaged. These works represent new voices and daring stories, pushing the boundaries of contemporary Philippine theater.
Out of the 12 selected plays, seven are written by first-time virgin playwrights, making their debut in the festival. This exciting mix of new and returning talents is expected to bring a diverse range of perspectives, themes, and creative energy to the stage.
The selected new plays are:
- Balos by Neil Arkhe Azcuna
- Footprint by Jerom Canlas
- Elehiya by Dustin Celestino
- She’s Electric by Ron Evangelista
- Betamax by Faith Ferrer Lacanlale
- G. Taksyapo! by John Lapus
- Lualhati by Gab Mactal
- Mga Tutubi, Mga Guni-Guni by M. Manalastas
- Buhaghag by Gerald Manuel
- Human Rights Story of the Year by Elijah Felice Rosales
- Patayin ang mga Surot by Floyd Scott Tiogangco
- Password123, Pilipinas321 by Anthony Kim Vergara
Alongside the new works, three standout plays will return in the Revisited segment. Festival directors Tessa Jamias and Marco Viaña revealed the titles during the closing program of VLF XX.
The revisited plays are:
- Presidential Suite No. 2 by Siege Malvar
- The Late Mr. Real by Rolin Migyuel Obina
- Polar Coordinates by Ade Valenzona
Virgin Labfest 21 promises another exciting lineup that stays true to its mission of championing fresh voices and bold storytelling. Audiences can look forward to discovering new perspectives when the festival returns in June 2026.
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