Dulaang UP highlights alumni, fresh talents in 48th season

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) is bringing together fresh talents, returning alumni and longtime collaborators as it mounts productions under its 48th Theatre Season, “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?”

Founded by National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa, the university-based company has served as a training ground for Filipino theatre artists for nearly five decades. Many alumni have gone on to careers in performance, directing, writing, design, research and arts management, while others have ventured into different creative industries.

As it approaches its 50th Theatre Season, DUP said it is revisiting its roots while expanding opportunities for student-artists. This direction was highlighted in its recent all-student-led twin-bill production, Para Kay Tony: Tungo sa Ginintuang Alaala, a tribute to Mabesa.

Continuing its discourse on homecoming and institutional legacy, the company is staging a revival of UP Playwrights’ Theatre, now renamed DUP Playwrights in its 29th Theatre Season, through Ang Kaliitan ng Kasalukuyan.

The play is written and directed by Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature multi-awarded playwright, returning alumnus and newly appointed artistic director Arlo Deguzman.

Drawing from diasporic experience, the contemporary work centers on the emotional landscape of Overseas Filipino Workers. Through movement and lyric, it portrays a father weighed down by remittances, a mother seeking meaning in sacrifice, a sister confronting separation and a son bearing silent burdens.

The production brings together industry professionals and student-artists. Leading the ensemble are alumni and guest artists Sandino Martin, Tess Jamias, Fermin Villegas, Sheryll Ceasico, Marichu Belarmino, Jojo Cayabyab, Hazel Maranan, Domileo Espejo and Mitzie Lao.

They are joined by current artist-scholars Kerr Allen, Angel Manansala, Raymond Aguilar, Julianne Quimio, Ralph Onrubia, Janae Delos Santos and Cy Guerrero.

The artistic team also includes alumni, guest artists and students across year levels. Working alongside Deguzman are Angel Dayao for music direction and sound design, Neil Shane Alcain and Jisu Jang, siglo for puppetry design, Jonas Gabriel Garcia for dramaturgy, Kirby Dunnzell as movement collaborator, Dan Wesley as associate movement collaborator, Aaron Misayah for scenic design, Tilda Oreta for costume design, Third Salamat for lighting design and Jada Bartolome for projection design.

Ang Kaliitan ng Kasalukuyan will run from 12 March to 29 March 2026 at the IBG-KAL Theater in UP Diliman, with shows scheduled Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.net and direct purchase, with prices ranging from P550 to P1,000. Discounts are available for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, non-UP students, OFWs and members of the UP community, subject to conditions.