Just when you thought you couldn’t get another chance to experience your favorite Virgin Labfest plays from previous editions, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is launching a new anthology book titled “Mga Piling Dula Mula Sa Virgin Labfest 2017-2019 Ikaapat Na Antolohiya.”
Set to debut on June 26, 2024, at 5:00 pm at the CCP Bulwagang Roberto Chabet (CCP TIG Gallery), this fourth installment of the VLF anthology features scripts of plays staged from 2017 to 2019, edited and curated by VLF founder Rody Vera.
The anthology brings together a stellar collection of works by playwrights such as Adriane Ho (Sincerity Bikers Club), Allan Lopez (River Lethe), Anthony Kim Vergara (A Family Reunion), Juan Ekis (Ensayo), Dustin Celestino (Mga Eksena sa Buhay ng Kontrabida), Dingdong Novenario (Nothing But Dreams), Eljay Castro Deldoc (Pilipinas Kong Mahal with All the Overcoat), Herlyn Alegre (Fan Girl), Maria Cecilia Dela Rosa (Labor Room), Maynard Manansala (Hindi Ako si Darna), Raymund Barcelon (Huling Hiling ni Darling), Rick Patriarca (Birdcage, Wanted: Male Boarders), Rolin Migyuel Obina (Mga Bata sa Selda 43; Ang Pag-uulyanin ni Olivia Mendoza), Ryan Macahdo (Ang mga Puyong), Sari Saysay (Ang Mga Propesyunal), U Eliserio (Hindi Ako si Darna; Anak Ka Ng), and Visconde Carlo San Juan Vergara (Edgar Allan Hemingway).
Moreover, women playwrights take center stage in “Natatauhan: Mga Dula Ng Kababaihan,” a special anthology highlighting works by women playwrights previously staged in the Virgin Labfest. Edited by playwright-educator Luna Sicat Cleto, the book features literary gems by Clarissa Estuar (Ang Mamanugangin Ni Rez), Debbie Ann Tan (Fate’s Line; Mga Babaeng Tootbright; Dragon’s Breath), Dominque La Victoria (Chipline), Eliza Victoria (Marte, Ang Bahay sa Gitna ng Kawalan), Herlyn Alegre (Bahay Bahayan; Tagu-Taguan; Huling Huli), Isa Borlaza (Sa Package Counter), Joyce Ann Icayan (Last Ten Minutes), Lani Montreal (Looking for Darna; Sister-Out-Law), Liza Magtoto (Paigan; Anonymous), Sheila Alojamiento (Boy-Gel and Gelpren ni Mommy), Mixkaela Villalon (High Stakes), and Genevieve L. Asenjo and Em Mendez (Ang Nanay Kong Ex-NPA).
The book launch coincides with the Virgin Labfest, the theater festival showcasing untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays, scheduled from June 12 to 30 at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater). Pre-sales of the new books will be available during the festival, with an opportunity to attend the cocktail event following the book launch.
For inquiries, visit the CCP Intertextual Division FB page or email ccpintertextualdivision@gmail.com. Follow the CCP, VLF, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Writers Bloc Facebook pages for the latest updates on this highly anticipated theater event in the country.
