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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