Theater Festival: A celebration of arts and culture

The Cebu International Theatre Festival (CITF) is an exciting occasion happening in Cebu. It brings together theater lovers from different countries and is the first international theater festival in Cebu. There are nine participating theater groups from the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia. Gongter Da Theatre (South Korea) "Dad's Playing House", Theatre Domo (South Korea) "Sonakbi: The Rain" directed by Dr. Woonki Hwang, the producer of the 1st Cebu International Theater Festival, Theatre Konoshitayami (Kyoto, Japan) "Paper Balloon", Theater Angelus (Kanazawa City, Japan) "Muddy Water" Opera Academy (Singapore) "Bangsawan Si Burung Bulbul (The Nightingale)", Chow Drama Studio (Malaysia) "The Man and the Dog" Teatro de San Pedro Calungsod (Cebu City, Philippines) "Mga Dula sa Gugma (Plays of Love) directed by Monsignor Agustin Ancajas, the chairman of the 1st Cebu International Theater Festival, UC Theater Workshop Company (Cebu City, Philippines) "Sapa sa Calagasan” (River of Calagasan) and Siddhartha Theater Ensemble (Cebu City) "Siddhartha the Musical".

Cebu playwright-director Msgr. Agustin Ancajas’s travel to South Korea gave rise to the concept for the inaugural international theater festival. Msgr. Ancajas at the invitation of well-known Korean theater figure Dr. Woonki Hwang, was impressed with the dynamic theatrical culture in South Korea, including the importance society places on the arts, the opulence of the theaters, and the variety of shows that included both avant-garde contemporary plays and traditional Korean drama.

Msgr. Ancajas was appointed by Dr. Woonki as chairman of inaugural CITF, which took place from July 1 to 6, 2024. With the intention of making Cebu a well-known center for theater, Msgr. Ancajas spearheaded the festival.

Looking back, theater companies or theatrical productions in Cebu have not been particularly uncommon or lackluster throughout the last several years, and significantly more so during the epidemic. Most performances are derived from yearly presentations at academic institutions. Still, a handful of rural and urban groups also have sporadic activity. Generally speaking, a specific group or place still has a lot of untapped or unrealized potential and talent to offer.

Theater festivals act as a spark to improve the caliber and recognition of theater performance arts in Cebu and beyond. Thus, on a worldwide level, this year represents the achievement of a long-standing objective to have relationships beyond boundaries.

There are several reasons why theater plays are highly esteemed in modern society. Theater plays provide a stage for cultural expression and narrative. By showcasing a range of perspectives and representing the diversity of society, they help to advance inclusivity and understanding. Dramatic plays often address contemporary issues, challenging societal norms and promoting dialogue. They can start a conversation, raise awareness, and bring about change by addressing issues like politics, social justice, and human rights.

A theatrical performance can evoke strong emotions in the audience. Individuals can relate to the characters and their narratives, providing a means of escape and an outlet for their emotions. It brings audiences together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience. They facilitate connections among people from diverse backgrounds, providing opportunities for social engagement, teamwork, and dialogue.

Our theater groups showcase extraordinary artistic talents and creative productions fueled by immense national pride that deserve a prominent spot and space on the international scene. Long live the true essence of theater!