TP’s planned 2016-17 season opens with the Virgin Labfest. While the annual festival of new plays had always been a coproject of playwrights group Writer’s Bloc and TP since it was founded, it is now officially part of the company’s season offerings.

To commemorate the 400th death anniversary of William Shakespeare, TP will stage “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-araw,” Rolando Tinio’s translation of “A Midsummer Nights Dream,” with dramaturgy by Rody Vera and to be directed by Carlitos Siguion-Reyna. Batucan is slated to play fairy queen Titania.

Former AC member John Arcilla, who rose to mainstream fame for his portrayal of the titular character in the movie “Heneral Luna,” is slated to play the lead in TP’s restaging of the musical “Ibalong.” Premiered in 2012, it’s an adaptation of the origin myth of Bicol with libretto by Vera, music and musical direction by Carol Bello, costume design by Leeroy New, choreography by Alden Lugnasin, fight/stunt choreography by Jerry Ramirez, lighting design by Katsch Catoy, and set design and direction by Rutaquio.

To follow is Guelan Luarca’s Filipino translation of Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice,” an adaptation of the Greek myth, to be directed by Loy Arcenas.

A restaging of “Mabining Mandirigma” is also in the works. The musical has a libretto by Nicanor Tiongson, music and musical direction by Joed Balsamo, set design by Toym Imao, costume design by James Reyes, choreography by Denisa Reyes, lighting design by Catoy, sound design by TJ Ramos, video projection design by GA Fallarme and direction by Chris Millado.

The musical won 12 Philstage Gawad Buhay trophies this year, including Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical and Outstanding Musical. Batucan is slated to reprise her role as Mabini.

Concluding the season is “Perlas,” a planned concert to celebrate TP’s 30th anniversary featuring songs from its repertoire of productions, including songs by composers such as Balsamo and Ryan Cayabyab. To be directed by Millado, the show will have a script by Dennis Marasigan, set design by Imao and choreography by Denisa Reyes.

Contact 8321125 loc. 1620 or 1621. Like Tanghalang Pilipino on Facebook. Planned productions may change or be omitted as the season progresses; contact TP to confirm. — Walter Ang