CCP and BOGT Philippines present 13 of September on August 10

A Fundraising Send-Off Show Before Representing the Philippines at the Mondial du Théâtre in Monaco

BOGT Philippines is proudly bringing its internationally recognized play, 13th of September, to the 18th Mondial du Théâtre in Monaco this August 20–27, 2025. To help fund this landmark participation, a special fundraising send-off performance will be held on August 10 (Sunday) at 3 PM and 7 PM at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Tickets are priced at Php 1,000 (center) and Php 800 (sides) and are available via Ticketworld.com. This critically acclaimed production, directed by award-winning Riki Benedicto and headlined by actor-director Andoy Ranay, marks BOGT’s third international festival appearance following successful runs in Canada (2019) and Germany (2021, 2022), and the Philippines’ second-ever participation at this prestigious theater event.

13th of September, a reimagining of Lanie Robertson’s The Insanity of Mary Girard, tells the haunting story of a woman confronting decades of betrayal and institutionalization. As Mary Girard prepares for her final night in a Pennsylvania asylum, long-buried memories and unresolved traumas resurface in a powerful narrative brought to life by Ranay, Lao Rodriguez, and Drew Espenocilla. The production’s bold direction, intense performances, and socially resonant themes have earned it critical praise at previous international festivals, where it captivated audiences with its portrayal of empowerment, injustice, and psychological struggle.

Founded in 2019, BOGT Philippines is an independent, non-profit theater company committed to showcasing Filipino talent on the world stage. Its delegation of nine artists and creatives—including producers, designers, and performers—will represent the country in Monaco’s prestigious Princess Grace Theater on August 26 and 27, closing the festival alongside acclaimed productions from Lithuania and Morocco. BOGT extends its deepest thanks to its partners and invites the public to support the August 10 send-off performance, which is key to ensuring this Filipino theatrical triumph reaches global audiences.

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BOGT Philippines' "13th Of September" Set For Historic Monaco Debut

Acclaimed Director Andoy Ranay To Star In Powerful Reimagined Staging

BOGT Philippines proudly announces that its acclaimed production 13th of September will represent the country at the 18th Mondial du Théâtre in Monaco this August 20–27, 2025. This marks the company’s third international invitation—after Canada (2019) and Germany (2021, 2022)—and the first time the Philippines will participate in the prestigious quadrennial festival since its founding in 1957, spotlighting Filipino theatrical talent on a global stage.

The play is a powerful reimagining of The Insanity of Mary Girard by Lanie Robertson, adapted by three-time Palanca awardee Eljay Castro Deldoc. Under the direction of ALIW and LEAF awardee Riki Benedicto, the production promises a bold and emotionally charged experience. Acclaimed actor-director Andoy Ranay will star as Mary Girard, delivering a performance expected to push the production to compelling new depths. Ranay’s casting is a major highlight, as he brings to the stage an impressive body of work in theater, television, and film—including recent hits like Presidential Suite #2 and TV series Dirty Linen and The Broken Marriage Vow. Joining him are respected actors Lao Rodriguez and Drew Espenocilla.

Andoy Ranay as Mary Girard

Lao Rodriguez

Drew Espenocilla

BOGT Philippines, founded in 2019 by professionals from the local theater, film, and events industries, is an independent nonprofit dedicated to showcasing Philippine theater abroad. Its team for Monaco includes key creatives like Katreen Dela Cruz, JayLo Conanan, Roldan Lozano, and Ces Valera, forming a nine-person delegation. 13th of September will close the festival with performances at the renowned Princess Grace Theater, sharing the spotlight with companies from Lithuania and Morocco.

The play explores themes of betrayal, mental health, and female agency through the haunting final night of Mary Girard in a Pennsylvania asylum. Drawing from past international acclaim in Canada and Germany, the reworked narrative not only revisits Mary's tragic history but gives her a voice—a metaphorical fight against injustice, gaslighting, and patriarchal control. The production’s potent message resonates deeply in today’s social context.

BOGT Philippines expresses 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 support. The company invites those who wish to contribute or partner with them to reach out via Instagram (@bogtphl) or Facebook (/BOGTphl). As the hashtags #sep13mberMONACO and #theaterwithoutborders suggest, the world stage is set for a uniquely Filipino story to be told—and heard.

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