Beyond the curtains : lived experiences of selected theater directors from the University of the Philippines Los Banos on staging activism

Date

4-2026

Adviser

John Carlo B. Cabilao

Principal

Buela, Mabel S.

Abstract

Theater in the Philippines has long served as both an artistic medium and a platform for political expression. It functions not only as entertainment but also as a tool for activism and social critique. Despite the historical significance of activist theater in the country, limited research has explored the lived experiences of theater directors who stage activism-themed productions, particularly within the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The study aims to examine the lived experiences of undergraduate theater directors in UPLB who have staged activist theater productions from 2016 to 2025. Specifically, the study seeks to understand how theater directors interpret activism, navigate the challenges they face in staging activism, and how they use UPLB theater as a medium for activism and spreading advocacies. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as a methodological approach, the study will analyze the narratives of seven selected UPLB undergraduate theater directors through in-depth interviews, exploring their experiences directing activism-themed theater productions and how they view theater as a catalyst for advancing social issues and raising social awareness. In the study, the results showed that the participants utilized theater as a platform to express political stances and advocacies, especially when institutions—family, education, and the government—prevent them from doing so. While theater is educational and life-changing, the participants experienced struggles such as the lack of rehearsal space, financial support, and preparation time, revealing the institution’s inadequate support for the arts. Furthermore, the participants see their directorial work in theater as a manifestation of their sociopolitical awareness and their continuous protest against human rights violations. They view activism as something that is inseparable from their humanity and is a social responsibility. Given the study’s focus on undergraduate theater directors within UPLB, the researchers recommend that future studies explore the perspectives of actors, playwrights, and audiences to develop a broader understanding of theater’s role in political discourse within (or even outside) university-based performance spaces.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Document Type

Capstone

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