Emilia by Tanghalang Ateneo 2026: Show Dates, Tickets, Cast, and What the Play Is About

Emilia by Tanghalang Ateneo runs from April 10 to 26, 2026 at the Rizal Mini Theater in Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, presenting a Filipino staging of Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s feminist play on authorship, gender, and historical memory.

Emilia is a contemporary feminist play that reimagines the woman believed to be Shakespeare’s “Dark Lady,” positioning her not as a muse, but as a writer, thinker, and author of her own narrative. In Tanghalang Ateneo’s 2026 production, the work is reframed through a Filipino lens through the company’s theme Her Voice Re-sounds (Boses Babae Nagbabanyuhay), bringing the story into conversation with present-day questions on visibility, labor, and recognition.

In April 2026, Tanghalang Ateneo presents Emilia, the celebrated play by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm known for its all-female cast and its insistence on reclaiming women’s place in literary and cultural history. Directed by Sarah Facuri, this staging invites audiences to look beyond narratives centered on great men and instead listen to the women whose labor, intellect, and voice have long remained uncredited.

What is Emilia about?

Emilia revisits the figure long associated with Shakespeare’s “Dark Lady” and repositions her as a central voice in history rather than a peripheral one. The play challenges traditional authorship narratives and asks audiences to reconsider who gets credit for cultural and intellectual labor.

This staging presents the work as both historical reclamation and political act. It shifts the conversation from representation to responsibility, asserting that women are not simply subjects of history but active creators of it.

Emilia by Tanghalang Ateneo cast and creative team

The production features Chloe Abella, Francesca Dela Cruz, and Maliana Beran as the Emilias, each representing a different phase of her life.

The ensemble includes Chantei Cortez, Bea Racoma, Patricia Ann Panganiban, Nicole Sintor Chua, Andie Manlusoc, Joy Delos Santos, Iman Rahima, Petes Castillo, Bienne Dator, Cadence Velas, PM Oliveros, Camille Samson, Ara Mariano, and Gabrielle Stephanie Taño.

The artistic team includes:

• Direction, Set Design, Movement Design: Sarah Facuri
• Assistant Direction: Teia Contreras
• Translation: Gab Mactal, Meeka Sayaboc, Keith Bernas
• Dramaturgy: Regina Manalo, Petes Castillo, PM Oliveros, Thandie Aliño, Joyce Ann San Buenaventura, Sabrina Basilio
• Music: Teresa Barrozo
• Assistant Set Design: Julia Macuja
• Costume Design: Hershee Tantiado
• Assistant Costume Design: Amina Javellana
• Lighting Design: Jethro Nibaten, Perine Nyssa Bianzon
• Sound Design: Teresa Barrozo, Erika Estacio
• Photography: Julia Vaila
• Assistant Photography: Julienne Edar Ballaran
• Graphic Design: Aisha Pandapatan

Emilia show dates, venue, and ticket prices

• Dates: April 10 to 26, 2026
• Venue: Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
• 2:00 PM performances: April 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
• 7:00 PM performances: April 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
• General Public: PHP 800
• Students, ADMU community, and partner-school faculty/students: PHP 550

Tickets are available at bit.ly/ta47emiliatickets.

Why Emilia matters in 2026

This production arrives at a time when questions of authorship, credit, and visibility continue to shape both artistic and public discourse. Emilia challenges audiences to reconsider how narratives are formed and whose voices are remembered.

More than a retelling, it is a reassertion. A reminder that history is not fixed, but shaped by those who claim their place within it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emilia about?

Emilia is a feminist play that reimagines Shakespeare’s “Dark Lady” as a central historical figure and author of her own story.

Where is Emilia showing?

Emilia is showing at the Rizal Mini Theater in Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City.

When is Emilia running?

Emilia runs from April 10 to 26, 2026.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are priced at PHP 800 for the general public and PHP 550 for students, the ADMU community, and partner-school faculty/students.