Star Powerhouse

Queer representation has always had a home in Filipino theater. Over the years, it evolved from subtle innuendos and comic relief to a more nuanced, empowering portrayal that challenges societal norms and celebrates diverse identities. These plays assert the importance of inclusive human narratives and provide an opportunity for self-discovery – both for LGBTQIA+ individuals and audiences. Today, a growing number of playwrights, directors, and theater companies in the Philippines have embraced the responsibility of telling queer stories with authenticity and depth. For years, the Virgin Labfest puts the spotlight on queer characters, particularly their struggles, joys, and triumphs. Their stories are brought to full bloom in the 20th edition of the country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged plays. Mga Magindara sa Siyudad In the play written by CJ Junio, two friends Maureen and Maylene are known as the magindara (mermaids) of the local carnival. Together with their ...

Celebrating two decades of nurturing emerging and established playwrights, directors, actors, and designers, the Virgin Labfest (VLF) continues to foster its garden of brave narratives with 12 new scripts ripe for the picking. The country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays returns from June 11 to June 29, 2025, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).  NEW SCRIPTS, NEW CONVERSATIONS Featuring 12 new scripts by 8 virgin male and female playwrights and 4 returning playwrights in its milestone year, VLFXX: HINOG blooms into a passionate community of unheard voices and untold stories, bringing people closer through truthful and compelling storytelling. A group of friends makes the most of their summer vacation with a mystery game in YOJ’s TBT: TAKBO, BATANG TONDO . Albin, the policeman in their little world, is baffled when the real “suspect” isn’t punished. Liane Carlo Suelan’s ANG BATA KAG ANG ILAGA is set in St. Jerome’s Home for...

  Celebrating two decades of nurturing emerging and established playwrights, directors, actors, and designers, the Virgin Labfest (VLF) continues to foster its garden of brave narratives with 12 new scripts ripe for the picking. The country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays returns from June 11 to June 29, 2025, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).  NEW SCRIPTS, NEW CONVERSATIONS Featuring 12 new scripts by 8 virgin male and female playwrights and 4 returning playwrights in its milestone year, VLFXX: HINOG blooms into a passionate community of unheard voices and untold stories, bringing people closer through truthful and compelling storytelling. A group of friends makes the most of their summer vacation with a mystery game in YOJ’s TBT: TAKBO, BATANG TONDO . Albin, the policeman in their little world, is baffled when the real “suspect” isn’t punished. Liane Carlo Suelan’s ANG BATA KAG ANG ILAGA is set in St. Jerome’s H...

  Young aspiring playwrights can now apply for the Virgin Labfest XX Writing Fellowship Program (VLF XX WFP) until April 30, 2025. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Artist Training Division, spearheads the VLF XX WFP, a two-week mentorship program on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage. The VLF XX WFP is open to applicants 18 to 29 years of age; a college student or a young professional; have not been involved or won in any professional playwriting and screenwriting platform; and can commit to whole days throughout the entire duration of the program, rehearsals, and performance for the Culminating Showcase. Chosen Writing Fellows will settle a minimal registration fee of Php 2,500.   Interested applicants must submit a duly accomplished application form that can be downloaded at bit.ly/VLF20WFPFellowshipApplication ,  one (1) to two (2) samples of their stage plays (maximum of 10 pages total) in .pdf format written in either Fi...