'13th of September' fundraising send-off show set for August 10

The Be Our Guest Theater (BOGT) Philippines will represent the Philippines at the prestigious 18th Mondial du Théâtre in Monaco, from August 20 to 27, 2025. This marks their third international theater festival after Canada (2019) and Germany (2021, 2022), marking a significant milestone for Filipino artistry on the global stage.

To make this momentous event possible, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and BOGT Philippines will premiere 13th of September in the Philippines with a fundraising send-off show on August 10, 3 pm and 7 pm, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex.

Proceeds from the show will help cover essential expenses for the delegation’s participation in this important project.

Ticket prices: P 1,000 (Center) and P 800 (sides).

Tickets are available at Ticketworld, CCP Box Office, or through this link. 

“13th of September,” an adaptation by three-time Palanca awardee Eljay Castro Deldoc from Lanie Robertson’s “The Insanity of Mary Girard,” will feature a groundbreaking reimagined staging under the direction of ALIW and LEAF awardee Riki Benedicto, whose directorial works have not only been presented but have also won awards on the international stage. 

Acclaimed film and theater director Andoy Ranay will take on the challenging lead role of Mary Girard, promising a performance that will elevate the production to new, more powerful heights, together with actors Lao Rodriguez and Drew Espenocilla.

The play delves deeper into profound and timely themes, tackling issues of empowerment, injustice, power play, and the complexities of sanity. 

Its narrative of overcoming adversity and asserting one’s voice has already resonated with audiences in previous international showcases at the Festival International de Théâtre de Mont-Laurier 2019, Canada, and THEATERWELTEN 2021 and 2022. 

BOGT producers Katreen Dela Cruz (production and stage manager), JayLo Conanan (production designer), Roldan Lozano (lighting designer), and Ces Valera (projection designer) complete the delegation of nine who will fly to Monaco this August.

The BOGT Philippines delegation, driven by pure passion, is eager to share this impactful work with the world.

BOGT Philippines is an independent, non-profit theater company established in 2019 by a group of professional theater, events, and film practitioners from Manila, Philippines. Its key objectives are to create and produce performances for international theater festivals and to strengthen the visibility of Philippine theater on the global stage.

The historic performances in Monaco are scheduled for August 26 and 27, at the renowned Princess Grace Theater, where “13th of September” will have the honor of closing the festival alongside esteemed productions from Lithuania and Morocco.

This marks the second time the Philippines will participate in this esteemed quadrennial festival since its founding in 1957. 

The Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) was the first Philippine delegation to the Mondial du Théâtre back in 1997. Their production of Labaw Donggon, a powerful dance-drama based on the Visayan epic, brought Filipino artistry to the world stage. It featured the music by Gawad CCP awardee Joey Ayala, direction and choreography by National Artist Agnes Locsin, set design by Bob Feleo, a script by Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, and led by Tangahalang Pilipino artistic director Nanding Josef. The PHSA’s performance was a brilliant showcase of the talent, creativity, and spirit of Philippine theater.

BOGT Philippines extends its deepest gratitude to Fire and Ice Studio, Beyond Concepts Photo Studio, the Office of the First Lady, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines for their invaluable contributions and for creating a space where Philippine theater can thrive.

For those wishing to explore other ways to support or contribute to BOGT Philippines, feel free to reach out via Instagram (@bogtphl) or Facebook (/BOGTphl).

#sep13mberMONACO #theaterwithoutborders #mondialduthéâtre #philippinetheater

ABOUT THE PLAY

Lanie Robertson’s The Insanity of Mary Girard is the real-life story of a Philadelphia woman who spent the last 25 years of her life in a mental institution. In 1790, Mary Girard was committed to an asylum. After she became pregnant by another man, her husband had her declared legally insane. Now, Mary sits in a chair as the "furies" dance around and impersonate people from her past. By the end of this haunting and highly theatrical piece, she has grown rather convincingly into her diagnosis.

“13th of September” is a re-imagination of Lanie Robertson’s one-act play “The Insanity of Mary Girard”. On the 13th of September, Mary Girard prepares for her final night in Pennsylvania Asylum. She will confront and relive the moments of lies and betrayal that have never been proven. With a defiant spirit, Mary dares the people to come and watch the twisted spectacle they expect, promising them a show they won’t soon forget.

ACTORS:

ANDOY RANAY is an actor, director, and producer for film, television, and theater. He recently headlined the acclaimed Presidential Suite # 2 for The Virgin Labfest 20 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He is currently working on a new series for Dreamscape Entertainment for ABS-CBN. He recently co-directed ABS-CBN’s successful shows PAMILYA SAGRADO (2024), SENIOR HIGH (2023), DIRTY LINEN (2023), and THE BROKEN MARRIAGE VOW (2022). In 2023, he directed the film ROAD TRIP for Viva Films and is currently streaming on NETFLIX.

LAO RODRIGUEZ has been a significant part of Tanghalang Pilipino's Actors' Company since 2002, playing various roles in Philippine theater. He started with "Anatomiya ng Korupsiyon" and went on to act in musicals like "Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah" and "Noli," consistently delivering excellent performances. His work in The Virgin Labfest, including plays like "Amoy Pulbos" and "Mga Alikabok sa Ilalim ng Tren," received critical acclaim.

Outside Tanghalang Pilipino, Lao has collaborated with PETA, Atlantis, and Dulaang Filipino. He had a notable role in the CCP's 2019 revival of "Baka Naman Hindi." On TV, he stood out in shows like "Pinsesa ng Banyera" and "Broken Marriage Vow," especially as Macasantos in the well-received Batang Quiapo series. 

However, it's Lao's outstanding roles in films like "BuyBust," "On the Job," and his remarkable performance in "Honor Thy Father" that highlight his significant impact in both theater and movies.

As a television and film actor, his notable appearances include “Buy Bust”, “Halik Sa Hangin”, “Honor Thy Father”, and “Batang Quiapo”

DREW ESPENOCILLA is a Filipino theatre artist and cultural advocate from Sorsogon. As a founding member of Tabsing Kolektib PH, he creates and directs performances that center on decolonial narratives, community memory, and social consciousness. Beyond the stage, he actively promotes local heritage and arts education in his hometown, using theatre and storytelling to engage youth and revive cultural spaces.