Reinventing Theater Through Culture and Myth: The Great Filipino American ASWANG Pageant!

NORFOLK, Va (September 24, 2025)— ROŪGE: Theater Reinvented continues its mission of sharing bold, diverse stories with the world premiere of The Great Filipino American ASWANG Pageant, a new play by local Filipino American playwright Kat Stevens. Presented in collaboration with Old Dominion University Theatre, the production debuts as part of Old Dominion University’s Literary Festival on October 9, with additional performances October 16–19.

Blending camp, mystery, and rich cultural heritage, The Great Filipino American ASWANG Pageant transports audiences into a world where Filipino folklore takes center stage. Rooted in the myth of the Aswang—a shapeshifting creature from Philippine mythology that moves between human and supernatural—the production also uplifts real stories from the Filipino American experience, including migration narratives and community folklore. With support from Virginia Humanities at WHRO grant, ROŪGE welcomed local musician, and storyteller Maya Pagtakhan as lead story collector, gathering oral histories from Hampton Roads’ Filipino community. These stories will appear in a lobby exhibit during performances, preserved as a living archive at the ODU Special Collection and University Archive, and digitally on ROŪGE’s website.

This production highlights the beginning of a blossoming relationship between Old Dominion University Theatre and ROŪGE, featuring both ODU alum and current students. The project also fosters meaningful connections with the Filipino American Student Association and the Asian Pacific American Student Union on the ODU campus. Among the students involved are local theater veteran Anna Sosa, known for her roles in Artemis, I and Women of Troy –both ODU productions–and Broadway make-up artist and regional theatrical performer Raymond Dimaano.

This groundbreaking show is driven by a primarily BIPOC leadership team—conceptualized by award-winning designer and cosplayer Philip Odango, written by Kat Stevens, and directed by Rachel Crist Lizan. With a background in pageantry as Mrs. Philippines of Virginia 2023, Rachel brings her unique vision and artistry to the stage.

A seasoned performer, educator, and cultural advocate, Lizan has over 16 years of teaching experience and serves as an instructor at the Philippine Cultural Center’s School of Creative and Performing Arts. Deeply rooted in her heritage, she grew up immersed in Filipino traditions. Guided by her grandparents’ love of storytelling, music, dance, and culture, she notes. “Filipino stories are filled with mythic heroes, clever tricksters, and stories that explain the mysteries of nature and humanity. But beyond their magic, these tales remind us who we are and where we come from. They carry forward the voices of our ancestors while inviting new generations in.”

“As we navigate life between cultures, we carry stories, traditions, and memories that reflect both where we come from and where we are going. The journey is not just about migration: it’s about resilience, adaptation, and the ways we honor our roots while creating something new,” said Philip Odango, the show’s visionary. The Great Filipino American ASWANG Pageant seeks to confront the challenges of the Filipino diaspora while celebrating the vibrant elements that bring joy to Filipino-American culture. Playwright Kat Stevens hopes the production’s legacy will inspire others to transform their experiences into art.

The Great Filipino American ASWANG Pageant is a celebration of shared vision, culture, and artistry—inviting audiences to experience the spirit of kapwa, the recognition of a shared identity and the responsibility to treat one another as equal fellow human beings. Join us in honoring Filipino culture and igniting conversations of community through three post-show talkbacks on mythology, representation, storytelling, and cultural legacy. In addition, a vibrant Night Market featuring local Filipino businesses will be held before and after the October 9 performance, presented as part of the Old Dominion University Literary Festival. ROŪGE is proud to bring this unique cultural experience to the Hampton Roads community and the campus of Old Dominion University.

WHAT:

The Great Filipino American ASWANG Pageant presented by ROŪGE Theater Reinvented in collaboration with Old Dominion University Theatre. A bold new play written by Kat Stevens, directed by Rachel Crist Lizan.

WHEN:

Thursday, October 9th at 7:30PM

(ODU Literary Fest Premiere + Night Market)

Thursday, October 16th at 7:30PM

Friday, October 17th at 7:30PM

Saturday, October 18th at 2PM

(Sensory-Inclusive Performance)

Saturday, October 18th at 7:30PM

Sunday, October 19th at 2PM

WHERE:

University Theater ODU 4600 Hampton Blvd Norfolk, VA 23508

Metered street parking is available on 46th and 47th street.

Metered Garage parking is available via the 47th/48th street garage.

HOW:

Tickets can be purchased at www.rougeva.org/aswang

$15 Students and ODU Faculty

$20 General Admission

This production is made possible through the generous support by Virginia Commission for the Arts, Norfolk Arts, and Virginia Humanities.