Circa Pintig's Chicago Filipino American Theatre Festival

Event Date: October 11-26, 2025 (Saturday-Sunday)

In our second year of the festival, we are exploring the theme of dreams, or ating mga pangarap.

PANGARAP (dream) – as a return to what many Filipinos and Filipino Americans strive for in their pursuit of the “American Dream,” we want to explore the possibilities that dreams have within our culture and community: possibly a family working hard to give their children a chance to live out their dreams, or the realization of a person’s dream having to change or adjust. Works in this theme challenges the audience to explore, be curious, and be in pursuit, providing optimism to our community and feed our resilience with the promise of a dream come true.

Weekend #1 at the Rizal Center
Saturday, October 11th, 7PM
Sunday, October 12th, 2PM

Week #1 selection of original Filipino plays will be presented at the historic Rizal Community Center on Saturday October 11th at 7PM, and Sunday October 12th at 2PM

“August” by M Manalastas

“The Fire in Me” by Thelma Virata de Castro

“Paboreal” by Matt Ordonez

“Diaspora Daughter” by Allison E Crisostomo

“If I’m Lucky” by M Oliveros

“Lola’s Banig” by Fran de Leon

Weekend #2 with PrideArts Chicago at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre
Saturday, October 18th, 7PM
Sunday, October 19th, 2PM

Week #2 will be a partnership between CIRCA Pintig and PrideArts Chicago, following last year’s reading of “The Butterfly of Chula Vista” by Giovanni Ortega, we are keeping this partnership to present another queer Filipino play at their new space in the Hoover-Leppen Theatre. This performance will run on Saturday October 18th at 7PM, and Sunday October 19th at 2PM with a talkback discussion afterwards on the intersections of “coming out celebrations” for the queer community in different cultures (exploring queer debuts, quinces, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc.)

“Debut” by Nate Cozens 29 year old Filipino gay man drag queen Jomar decides to throw himself a Filipino “debut” traditionally celebrated when Filipina girls turn 18. His family does their best to make his debut perfect much to his demands, but ultimately celebrates the love he has received from his loved ones in order to love himself.

Weekend #3 at the Rizal Center
Saturday, October 25th, 7PM
Sunday, October 26th, 2PM

Week #3 will see the festival return to its home stage at the Rizal Community Center for performances on Saturday October 25th at 7PM and Sunday October 26th at 2PM. The readings presented for this weekend include:

“Bisikleta” by Joy Regullano

“Pag-asa” by Timawa Pintado

“Sebastian” by Miguel Barretto-Garcia

“Lychee, or Other Exotic Fruits” by Georgie Morvis

“What is Your Spouse’s Name?” by Ron Anahaw

“Anniversary” by Nelsito Gomez

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