If you loved last season’s Batang Rizal and Skin Deep, PETA promises an equally exciting 41st season with adaptations of a Puccini opera, Jose Rizal’s Noli-Fili, children’s old-time-favorite folk tales, and the works of European masters Ibsen, Chekhov, and Strindberg.

The season opens in July with Nic Tiongson’s Noli at Fili Dekada 2000, directed by Soxie Topacio. Tiongson’s adaptation of Rizal’s two novels is set in contemporary times in a small town in Quezon province. Performances run from July 18 to August 24, Fridays to Sundays at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PETA takes a different approach to Puccini’s Tosca, with an adaptation set during the Japanese occupation. It runs on August 29 and 30, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Christine Bellen’s Batang Rizal, which had a quite successful tour and was popular among students last year, comes back in September, this time as a back-to-back presentation with Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, still by Bellen. The Lola Basyang adaptation features three Severino folktales: “Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong,” “Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Mahal na Hari,” and “Ang Prinsipeng Duwag,” which tackle the mythical journeys into self-discovery and value formation.

Shows run from September 19 to October 12, 2008, Fridays to Sundays at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Tony Perez’s Saan ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre? is a third of a trilogy directed by Nonon Padilla. Oktubre, Noong Tayo’y Nagmamahalan Pa and Nobyembre, Noong Akala Ko’y Mahal Kita were previously produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the 1990s. The play is about the unbreakable love and bonding between best friends and among family members, despite complications of betrayal, jealousy, and anger. Performances run from November 14 to December 7, with Friday performances at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday shows at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

PETA closes the season with a pseudo festival showcasing its actors, directors, and writers in Adapting the European Masters, which features the works of Ibsen, Chekhov, and Strindberg, among others. Shows are from February 6 to March 15, 2009, on Fridays at 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

A season subscription for P1,000 entitles one to an entry pass to all PETA productions and discounts for up to two companions. To reserve your subscription, visit the PETA office at 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City, or call (+632) 410 0821 or 725 6244, or e-mail petampro@yahoo.com. Schedules may change without prior notice.