As it approaches its 50th theatre season, Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) is reviving the UP Playwrights’ Theatre, now renamed DUP Playwrights, as part of its 48th Theatre Season.

The revival builds on the company’s efforts to sustain relevant and socially engaged productions, following the recent run of Para Kay Tony: Tungo sa Ginintuang Alaala, a tribute to National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa. The production marked the company’s first all-student-led process and featured plays confronting oppressive authorities, reflecting DUP’s transformation into a space for critical inquiry and artistic exploration.

This season, themed “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?”, revisits the company’s roots while probing questions of intentionality and homecoming.

The revival of UP Playwrights’ Theatre will be staged through Ang Kaliitan ng Kasalukuyan, written and directed by Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature multi-awarded playwright and DUP artistic director Arlo Deguzman.

Drawing from diasporic experiences, the contemporary play focuses on the emotional realities of Overseas Filipino Workers. Through movement and lyric, it portrays a father burdened by remittances, a mother seeking meaning in sacrifice, a sister confronting separation and a son carrying silent struggles.

The production 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.

Ticket prices range from P550 to P1,000, with discounts available for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, non-UP students, OFWs and members of the UP community. Discounts are not stackable.

Beyond the stage production, DUP is mounting additional programs through its platforms DUP Social and DUP Studio, offering free-admission events for audiences and artists.

Under DUP Social, activities include “PeliDula: Theater & Migration Series,” featuring pro-shot recordings of previous productions aligned with the theme of migration, and an Arts Market that showcases artist-entrepreneurs and pre-show performances.

DUP Studio will host a networking night for UP Diliman art and design students, a staged reading series of contemporary international plays, backstage tours every Sunday during show weeks and a critical platform writing workshop for aspiring student critics.

In celebration of Arts Month in February 2026, the company is also mounting a Tiny Gallery Exhibition on its legacy and heritage, in partnership with the UP Diliman Office of Initiatives for Culture and the Arts, along with a workshop series.

DUP said the initiatives aim to expand theatre engagement beyond performances and foster collaboration among students, alumni and the broader arts community.