2TinCans Philippines, in partnership with The Kabilin Center, is set to stage "Ang Kawatan" (The Thief), the second production of the Kulukabildo II: Stories in Direct Light series. The play will run on June 27 and 28 at The Kabilin Center, located on Eduardo Aboitiz Street in Tinago, Cebu City.
Plot and Creative Team
Directed by Vanessa Fe, a member of the 2TinCans Theatre Company, and written by journalist and playwright Maverick Avila, "Ang Kawatan" is a tragicomedy set during a live televised book launch titled "Open Book with Frankie," a fading cultural program. Celebrated novelist Mateo Robles, portrayed by Dave Feril, takes his seat across from veteran host Frankie, played by Lord Lawrence Latonio, ready to share the story behind his acclaimed bestselling book. However, the event takes an unexpected turn when Ana, played by Judee Kriselle Rallos, a young woman whose trauma Mateo silenced, repackaged, and sold as fiction, refuses to remain invisible.
The play unfolds as a public confrontation that cracks open the creative community, exposing fault lines of complicity, victim-blaming, and the ease with which those who control the narrative can turn a stolen truth into a prize-winning lie.
Director's Vision
Fe noted that this story is not new; it has always existed, just repackaged in the same way Mateo repackaged Ana's truth into a prize-winning book. "Tragedy doesn't come in loudly. It lives in the quiet moments: a community that keeps applauding, people who knew and said nothing. I didn't want to put a survivor's trauma on display. I wanted people to watch this and recognize themselves not as strangers to this story, but as someone who has watched another person be exploited and stayed quiet," Fe said. She added that the live show setting was the perfect place to show that Mateo cannot hide, but the same system that exposed him is the one that never protected Ana.
This production marks Fe's directorial debut, a milestone made more meaningful by the story she has chosen to tell. "Ang Kawatan" is also the result of years of creative partnership between Fe and playwright Avila, who first developed the story in college. It took three years for their shared conviction to find its stage.
Producer's Message
2TinCans Producing Artistic Director Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson hopes audiences leave "Ang Kawatan" not only with memories of a compelling performance but also with a renewed sense of curiosity, awareness, and responsibility. "If the play encourages even one person to see an issue differently, ask a difficult question or take meaningful action, then it has fulfilled its purpose," Enclona-Henderson said.
Production Details
"Ang Kawatan" arrives as the second installment of Kulukabildo II: Stories in Direct Light, a monthly theatre series running from April through November 2026. Completing the cast, which features 2TinCans Theatre Company members, are Shiella Pestaño-Gemperoa as Gab, Shane Rennel Ayong as Kirby, and Grant Bacaltos as Patrick. The production is supported by stage manager Regina Binueza.
