Barefoot Theatre Collaborative stages Asian premiere of 'anthropology'

Over the past few years, Barefoot Theatre Collaborative has delivered critically acclaimed musical productions, including the originals Bar Boys: The Musical and Mula sa Buwan, as well as a local take on We Aren’t Kids Anymore. To open its 2026 season, the company is taking a more thought-provoking turn with the Asian premiere of anthropology, a gripping psychological thriller that blends science fiction with the deep ache of grief and loss. The production opens this March.

Written by American playwright Lauren Gunderson, known for Silent Sky and The Half-Life of Marie Curie, anthropology continues her tradition of centering strong female characters. The play follows Merril, an expert AI programmer who, unable to accept the disappearance and death of her sister Angie, uses her skills to bring her back as artificial intelligence. What begins as a coping mechanism soon spirals into obsession, blurring the line between comforting memory and digital ghost.

The production features an all-female cast led by actress-director Jenny Jamora as Merril. She is joined by Maronne Cruz as Angie, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Raquel, Merril’s ex-girlfriend and the play’s voice of reason, and veteran actress Jackie Lou Blanco as Brin, the estranged mother of Merril and Angie.

The creative team is led by director Caisa Borromeo, who steps off the stage to helm the production. The immersive, screen-mediated world is brought to life by technical director and lighting designer D Cortezano, production designer Sarah Facuri, sound designer Arvy Dimaculangan, and video designers CueCraft and Steven Tansiongco.

The production explores the tension between high-tech ethics and human vulnerability, posing the question: “In a world where we can curate our reality, what does it truly mean to let go?” The show is positioned as a must-watch for fans of psychological suspense, tech-noir storytelling, and audiences drawn to stories of love, loss, and memory.

To mark the announcement, Barefoot Theatre Collaborative released a teaser video for anthropology on its Instagram account.

Barefoot Theatre Collaborative's staging of Lauren Gunderson's anthropology will have a strictly limited run of 15 performances, over three weekends, from March 13 to 29, 2026 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté in Quezon City.

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