PETA’s Control + Shift 2025: A Bold & Brave Festival You Won’t Want to Miss

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Hello, theater-lovers and fellow adventurers in the arts! If you’re craving fresh, daring, and thought-provoking performances to kick off 2025, buckle up: PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association) is unleashing Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival 2025, and it’s all happening this February at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City.

A Festival of Reimagined Filipino Stories

Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival lives up to its name by taking classic Filipino tales and values—both historical and modern—and giving them an imaginative twist. Curated by PETA’s newly appointed Artistic Director, J-mee Katanyag, the festival lineup ventures into puppetry, movement, interactivity, and even digital theater. Think of it like a grand buffet of live performance styles—perfect for those who want to explore the many faces of theater.

The Centerpiece: “Kumprontasyon”

Leading the pack is a highly anticipated remount of Melvin Lee’s critically acclaimed trilogy Kumprontasyon. These three one-act plays each shine a light on unresolved events—historical or political, personal or collective—and the interplay of memory and truth. Catch:

  • Lakambini by Allan Palileo featuring Teroy Guzman & Sherry Lara
  • The Impossible Dream by Guelan Luarca featuring Romnick Sarmenta & Ron Capinding
  • A Color for Tomorrow by Joshua Lim So featuring Missy Maramara, Adrienne Vergara, Gillian Vicencio & Uzziel Delamide

If that star-studded lineup doesn’t spark your curiosity, I don’t know what will. Kumprontasyon runs February 6-9 at the PETA-Phinma Theater.

More Must-See Main Theater Shows

“Twin Bill” (February 14-15)

Looking for a unique Valentine’s date (or post-Valentine’s, if the lines are crazy on the 14th)? Catch Twin Bill, featuring two revisited plays from last year’s festival:

  • Kislap at Fuego by Dominique La Victoria — an enchanting love story set during the Philippine revolution.
  • Children of the Algo by Mixkaela Villalon — a piercing look into how we grapple with a world run by algorithms and never-ending digital noise.

“Control + Shift + SPIT: An Improvised Show” (February 16, 8 PM)

Get ready for laughter overload on February 16 when The Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT) takes over the main theater for a special one-night-only improv performance. Expect comedic chaos, audience participation (if you’re game), and spontaneous storylines that are entirely unpredictable.

The Studio Theater: Eight New Works for the Curious

If you enjoy discovering up-and-coming playwrights and new theatrical gems, the Studio Theater is the place to be. From February 7-16, PETA presents eight original works grouped into four distinct sets:

  1. Set A: “Unboxing”

    • The Little Girl in a Box by Felinda V. Bagas – Follow a young girl’s journey to break free from the constraints of society (and her own fears).

  2. Set B: “Time and Tide”

    • Failed Puppeteer by Sig Pecho – A poignant look at how families adapt and survive during times of crisis.
    • Noche Buena by Felinda V. Bagas – Centered around a Filipino family tradition and the generational changes that come with it.

  3. Set C: “Codes of Corruption”

    • Monit-oh! Monit-ah! by Herlyn Alegre – A deep dive into traditional Filipino values and how they clash with modern struggles.
    • hUst1Sy@.exe by John Custer – Yes, the title might look like a cryptic file name, but it’s an intriguing story about technology, corruption, and justice.

  4. Set D: “Breaking Free”

    • Ang Kuwento ni Babae by Teatro Balagtas
    • Taya! Sabay Yakap by PETA ARTSZone Youth ARTvocates
    • At Nagkatawang-Tao Ang Verbo by Tanghalang Bagong Sibol & Mikaela Regis

These three short pieces challenge traditional narratives on gender, childcare, and faith—tackling big questions with empathy and creativity.

Exclusive Metrobank Sale (January 15-19)

If you’re a Metrobank credit cardholder, here’s your chance to score a sweet deal. From January 15-19, you can snag 10% off on your tickets when you buy via TicketWorld. Since Metrobank is PETA’s official 2025 theater season bank partner (and a platinum partner of Control + Shift), they’re making sure you can experience these fabulous shows without breaking the bank.

Ticket Details & Where to Get Them

  • Festival Dates: February 6-23, 2025
  • Venue: PETA Theater Center, New Manila, Quezon City
  • Ticket Prices:
    • Studio Theater performances start at Php 700
    • Main Theater performances start at Php 1,000
  • Ticket Link: bit.ly/PETACS2025Tickets

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

If you’ve been craving a cultural re-set—something to shake up your perspective, spark curiosity, or even just get you out of your routine—Control + Shift 2025 is the place to be. You’ll witness talented Filipino artists experimenting with form and content, all while exploring pressing social issues and reimagining the stories we think we already know by heart.

Let’s Get Social

For the latest updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and fun sneak peeks of the festival, follow PETA on:

  • Facebook: @petatheater
  • X: @petatheater
  • Instagram: @petatheater
  • TikTok: @petatheater

Ready to explore how art can transform the narratives of our past, present, and future? Mark those calendars, grab those tickets, and let PETA show you how a bold new vision of Filipino storytelling can spark joy, debate, and change. See you in the theater!

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