On stage this November
Allow me to make a case for the arts: Though these are trying times—with budgets running tighter and roads testing our patience even more with the impending holiday rush—an evening or two to escape at the theater may be a much-needed balm for a real-world-weary heart.
This November, some of Manila’s major theater companies are bringing classics back to the stage alongside women-led historical musicals. Meanwhile, independent production groups are also staging adaptations of acclaimed international plays.
“Joseph the Dreamer”
Trumpets, Inc.
Nov. 6 to 22
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City
Here’s a timely story to restore a bit of faith and hope. Based on and named after one of the Bible’s many stories, “Joseph the Dreamer” follows the titular Joseph as he discovers his prophetic dreams and overcomes hardships after being sold by his brothers into slavery. Joseph’s story is an inspiring display of unwavering faith and a moving journey of mercy and reconciliation.
This year’s retelling of the classic story features Neo Rivera and Jordan Andrews as Joseph. They will be joined by veteran actor Nonie Buencamino as Joseph’s father, Jacob.
“The Art of Breaking Up”
Teatro Kapamilya and PETA Plus
Nov. 6 to Dec. 6
PETA Theater, Quezon City
Another ever-relatable theme: relationships (and, unfortunately, how they end). ABS-CBN’s Teatro Kapamilya teams up with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) to stage “The Art of Breaking Up,” based on “Kung Paano Maghiwalay,” the Palanca Award-winning play by the late playwright and actor George de Jesus III.
The play features a range of break-ups across generations, showing not just the whys but also the hows behind the separations. It stars a mix of tenured theater artists alongside television actors and new talents taking on the stage.
“Karmen 1949”
Arete
Nov. 13 to 22
Doreen Black Box Theater, Arete, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
The acclaimed 1875 French opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet gets a localized treatment in “Karmen 1949,” taking the story of the gypsy Carmen and the soldier Don Jose to war-torn Manila.
Here, the feisty Karmen (Roxy Aldiosa) enters a relationship with Philippine Constabulary officer Jose (Byran Homecillo)—which exposes the differences that divide them. Through Karmen, the opera also highlights the question of what it truly means to be free.
The adaptation is directed by Jaime del Mundo with musical direction and translation by Farley Asuncion.
“Gabriela: The Musical”
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
Nov. 13 to Dec. 6
Hyundai Hall, Arete, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
From the creators of the beloved “Mula sa Buwan” and “Bar Boys: The Musical” comes a reimagined telling of the life of revolutionary leader Gabriela Silang. The original Filipino musical is set in 18th-century Ilocos, where Gabriela is presented as co-author of the revolution alongside—and not just after—her husband Diego Silang.
While most historical records only note Gabriela’s contributions after Diego’s death, the musical explores the depth of the female revolutionary’s role beyond just taking up the reins of leadership after her husband’s demise.
“Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical”
Tanghalang Pilipino
Nov. 13 to 29
Proscenium Theater, The Proscenium at Rockwell, Makati City
With P-pop gaining even more traction now, it is no surprise that its influence has also touched musical theater. Tanghalang Pilipino reprises its first original P-pop musical in partnership with FlipMusic: “Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical,” this time to be staged at the Proscenium Theater.
It follows the story of Gregoria de Jesus, wife of Andres Bonifacio (and later, Julio Nakpil). Inspired by the often-electrifying P-pop concert performances, the entire story—from Gregoria (or Oriang)’s youth to her old age—is presented by an all-woman cast akin to a concert format, making the tale even more empowering.
“Constellations”
Stages Production Specialists and MusicArtes
Nov. 13 to 22
3F Mirror Theater Studio, SJG Building, Kalayaan Ave., Makati City
If you’ve ever thought about your chances of love and parallel universes, this play by British playwright Nick Payne might tickle your fancy. “Constellations” follows the romantic relationship between quantum physicist Marianne and beekeeper Roland, seeing them tested through time, chance, illness, and various circumstances.
While the original play was written as a two-hander, this 2026 staging directed by Italian American director Kiara Pipino (who had previously staged “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” at the Arete in 2024) features three actors portraying the two characters, shifting between the different roles throughout the play as they explore the different realities presented by the story.
“The Child”
Company of Actors in Streamlined Theater (CAST)
Nov. 22 to Dec. 6
3F Mirror Theater Studio, SJG Building, Kalayaan Ave., Makati City
CAST closes out an eventful 2026 with “The Child,” an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s “The Wild Duck” by director Nelsito Gomez. The 1884 play was considered the first modern masterpiece in the tragicomedy genre.
CAST’s version sets the story in present-day Norway, as Gina and Hans Ekdal (Caisa Borromeo and Marco Viaña) prepare for the 13th birthday party of their daughter Hedvig (Teia Contreras). However, the arrival of Gerges Werle (Alfredo Reyes) disturbs what would otherwise have been a peaceful life.
The play explores the dilemma often associated with knowing the truth: Should we expose the truth at all costs, regardless of whether it costs others peace?
“Boy”
Mad Child Productions
Nov. 27 to Dec. 6
5F Mirror Theater Studio, SJG Building, Kalayaan Ave., Makati City
Another season closer this November is Anna Ziegler’s “Boy,” to be staged by Mad Child Productions. Inspired by a true story, it follows Adam, who is born male but was raised as a girl at the suggestion of a doctor to his parents after a severe surgical accident during the infant’s circumcision.
The play alternates between childhood therapy sessions of Samantha (Adam, as a girl, in his childhood) and Adam’s present. It explores several hard-hitting themes, from gender dysphoria and identity to medical ethics and human connection.
It stars Zoe de Ocampo as Adam, Topper Fabregas as Dr. Wendell Barnes, Jam Binay as Jenny, Toni Go-Yadao as Trudy, and Marvin Ong as Doug.
Meet the powerhouse all-women cast of “Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba”
Tony Award winner Lea Salonga returns to the Manila stage as the titular Bernarda Alba, taking on the challenge of an all-Filipino language straight play. Joining her in bringing this story to life are several acclaimed actresses:
• Shiela Francisco plays María Josefa, Bernarda’s elderly mother
• Maita Ponce plays eldest daughter Angustias
• Toni Go-Yadao plays Magdalena, the second daughter
• Maronne Cruz plays the reserved Amelia
• Mikaela Regis plays Martirio
• Gabby Padilla portrays Adela, the youngest daughter
• Frances Makil-Ignacio plays Poncia, Bernarda’s longtime servant and confidante
• Jam Binay portrays Blanca, the household’s second servant
