BOGT Philippines' "13th Of September" Set For Historic Monaco Debut: Acclaimed Director Andoy Ranay To Star In Powerful Reimagined Staging

BOGT 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, from August 20-27, 2025. This marks the first time the Philippines will participate in this esteemed quadrennial festival since its founding in 1957.

"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 groundbreaking 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 together with 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 9 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 esteemed 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.

For those wishing to explore ways to support or contribute to BOGT Philippines, feel free to reach out via Instagram (@bogtphl) or Facebook (/BOGTphl).