Starbucks Philippines and Peta partner on theater appreciation programs

THE PHILIPPINE Educational Theater Association (Peta) and Starbucks Philippines have joined hands to create programs that aim to make Filipino theater more accessible to all, and to push for greater theatercentric education and awareness among consumers.

Among these projects is a Theater Appreciation Program that would allow students of public schools and state universities, as well as out-of-school youth, to watch Peta performances for free.

Starbucks will also support select individuals, teachers, partners and youth who are interested to join Peta’s theater workshops but are in need of financial assistance.

Aside from sponsoring public school students to watch shows such as Peta’s recent “Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil,” Starbucks also commits to provide support for research and development of new scripts. This will allow Peta to create more original materials for future plays.

“Starbucks has always been committed to helping promote culture wherever in the world we may be,” says Noey Lopez, Rustan Coffee Corp. (Starbucks Coffee Philippines) president. “Here in the country, we are committed to building Filipino arts, helping Peta advance its work and encouraging the development of the youth’s theater aesthetics and education.”

Through this partnership, Peta hopes to realize its cultural mission and expand its reach whether through its performance audiences, workshop participants, or network engagements both locally and internationally.

Since its founding almost 50 years ago, Peta has continued to be the home of creative and critical artist-teacher-cultural workers who are committed to artistic excellence and a culture that fosters both personal fulfillment and social transformation.

From the now legendary “Rak of Aegis” to “Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil,” a modern retelling of José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” Peta is credited with creating issue- based productions and performances that reflect the times. Its productions represent a consistent stream of artistic styles, genres and disciplines that both entertain and empower its audiences through critical thought and creative expression.