BOGT (Be Our Guest Theatricals) Philippines is proud to announce that its critically acclaimed production, 13th of September, has received its third invitation to an international theater festival, marking a significant milestone for Filipino artistry on the global stage. After joining the festivals in Canada (2019) and Germany (2021, 2022), BOGT is set to make its highly anticipated debut at the prestigious 18th Mondial du Théâtre in Monaco, on August 20-27, 2025. This marks the first time the Philippines will participate in this esteemed quadrennial festival since its founding in 1957.
Andoy Ranay
Andoy Ranay as Mary Girard — photo, by Paw Castillo, styled by Jaylo Conanan, hair and makeup by Reniel Cadiz
13th of September, an adaptation by three-time Palanca awardee Eljay Castro Deldoc from Lanie Robertson’s The Insanity of Mary Girard, will feature a reimagined staging under the direction of ALIW and LEAF awardee Riki Benedicto, whose directorial works have not only been presented but have also won awards on the international stage. Acclaimed film and theater director Andoy Ranay will take on the challenging lead role of Mary Girard, promising a performance that will elevate the production to new, more powerful heights, alongside Lao Rodriguez and Drew Espenocilla.
BOGT Philippines is an independent, non-profit theater company established in 2019 by a group of professional theater, events, and film practitioners from Manila, Philippines. Its key objectives are to create and produce performances for international theater festivals and to strengthen the visibility of Philippine theater on the global stage.
BOGT producers Katreen Dela Cruz (production and stage manager), JayLo Conanan (production designer), Roldan Lozano (lighting designer), and Ces Valera (projection designer) complete the delegation of nine who will fly to Monaco this August.
The historic performances in Monaco are scheduled for August 26 and 27 at the renowned Princess Grace Theater, where 13th of September will have the honor of closing the festival alongside productions from Lithuania and Morocco.
The play delves deeper into profound and timely themes, tackling issues of empowerment, injustice, powerplay, and the complexities of sanity. Its narrative of overcoming adversity and asserting one’s voice has already resonated with audiences in previous international showcases at the Festival International de Théâtre de Mont-Laurier 2019, Canada and THEATERWELTEN 2021 and 2022. The BOGT Philippines delegation, driven by pure passion, is eager to share this impactful work with the world.
BOGT Philippines extends its deepest gratitude to Fire and Ice Studio, Beyond Concepts Photo Studio, the Office of the First Lady, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines for their invaluable contributions and for creating a space where Philippine theater can thrive.
The Insanity of Mary Girard, the original play, tells the story of a woman who, in 1790, was committed to an asylum. After Mary became pregnant by another man, her husband had her declared legally insane. Now, Mary sits in a chair as the “furies” dance around and impersonate people from her past. By the end of this haunting and highly theatrical piece, she has grown convincingly into her diagnosis.
13th of September is a re-imagination of Lanie Robertson’s one-act play. One Sunday evening, Mary Girard is preparing for her last night in Pennsylvania Asylum. Now 56, her age is visible after more than two decades re-living the moments of her life inside the asylum. While doing her daily routine with other patients, her past dawns on her—memories of her mother, husband, and daughter are right in front of her, and it seem like she’s “sane” once again. On her last night with the tranquilizing chair, she fights and re-lives the moments of lies and betrayal that have never been proven.
Andoy Ranay is an actor, director and producer for film, television, and theater. He recently headlined the acclaimed Presidential Suite # 2 for “The Virgin Labfest 20” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). He is currently working on a new series for Dreamscape Entertainment for ABS-CBN. He recently co-directed ABS-CBN’S successful shows Pamilya Sagrado (2024), Senior High (2023), Dirty Linen (2023), and The Broken Marriage Vow (2022). In 2023, he directed the film Road Trip for Viva Films and is currently streaming on Netfix.
Lao Rodriguez
Lao Rodriguez as First Fury — hoto by Paw Castillo, styled by Jaylo Conanan, hair and makeup by Lao Rodriguez
Lao Rodriguez has been part of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Actors’ Company since 2002, playing various roles in Philippine theater. He started with Anatomiya ng Korupsiyon and went on to act in musicals like Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah and Noli, consistently delivering excellent performances. His work in The Virgin Labfest, including plays like Amoy Pulbos and Mga Alikabok sa Ilalim ng Tren, received critical acclaim.
Outside Tanghalang Pilipino, Lao has collaborated with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Atlantis, and Dulaang Filipino. He had a notable role in CCP’s 2019 revival of Baka Naman Hindi. On TV, he stood out in shows like Prinsesa ng Banyera and Broken Marriage Vow, and his role as Macasantos in the well-received Batang Quiapo series.
However, it’s Lao’s outstanding roles in films like BuyBust, On the Job, and his remarkable performance in Honor Thy Father that highlight his significant impact in both theater and movies.
Drew Espenocilla
Drew Espenocilla as Second Fury — photo by Paw Castillo, styling and hair and makeup by Jaylo Conanan
Drew Espenocilla is a Filipino theatre artist and cultural advocate from Sorsogon. As a founding member of Tabsing Kolektib PH, he creates and directs performances that center on decolonial narratives, community memory, and social consciousness. Beyond the stage, he actively promotes local heritage and arts education in his hometown, using theatre and storytelling to engage youth and revive cultural spaces.
The BOGT team in Germany, 2022: Norman Peñaflorida, Marco Calilao, Roldan Lozano, Riki Benedicto, Katreen Dela Cruz, Ces Valera, Lao Rodriguez, Jaylo Conanan
For those wishing to explore ways to support or contribute to BOGT Philippines, feel free to reach out via Instagram (@bogtphl) or Facebook (/BOGTphl).
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