Founded in 1967, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is an organization of creative and critical artist-teacher-cultural workers committed to artistic excellence and a people's culture that casts shackles and fosters both personal fulfillment and social transformations. It roots its foundation in the use of theater that is distinctly Filipino as a tool for social change and development. The company has lived by this principle as it evolves with the changes that occurred within and around it. It continuous to push first-rate quality theater while never taking for granted that the art it produces and teaches always serves a greater purpose.
As if driven by the vision of a distinct Filipino theater, PETA initially took residence in Dulaang Rajah Sulayman, a T-stage theater resting deep in the ruins of Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. It was within these historical walls that PETA developed its own history. It was also in this beautiful open-air performance space that PETA's dream began to flourish. The well-defined stage of Rajah Sulayman influenced the diversity of performances that the company produced, prompting the artists to explore possibilities that the unique architecture the theater had to offer. In this cultural landmark, PETA began to nurture and cradle the hundreds of artists who, up to this day, continuously share their talents and expertise in theater, television, radio, print media and education.
Through the years, PETA continuous to develop its breed of cultural leaders as it steps up in the forefront of Philippine culture. PETA has written, translated, adapted, published, and performed more than 300 plays and has facilitated thousands of workshops both locally and internationally, shaping not only its own history but greatly influencing the history of Philippine theater as well. Theater forms and techniques continue to be enriched as local, national and universal themes find its medium of expression in the company's engagement as a theater group that performs and educates.
Today, PETA's repertory theater program, embodied in the KALINANGAN ENSEMBLE is complemented by a closely-knit battery of programs and services. THE SCHOOL OF PEOPLE'S THEATER, PETA's main training arm for amateurs, professionals, and communities alike, offers a wide range of courses on theater arts and related subjects. The METROPOLITAN TEEN THEATER LEAGUE PROGRAM and the CHILDREN'S THEATER PROGRAM combine performances with training modules for young people, their caregivers and educators. The former services PETA's wide range of high school students and teachers. The latter gives special attention to the issue of children's rights, just as the WOMEN'S THEATER PROGRAM addresses female problems like reproductive rights and domestic violence. Gender and sexual health issues, including AIDS, are also pet topics of the PETA-MEKONG PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, a special project aimed at building capabilities and fostering collaboration in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. Continuous link-up with national and international artistic, educational, cultural, and development organizations has allowed PETA to share its expertise in theater and education. PETA is all about outreach and networking.
In 2005, PETA moved to its new home -- The PETA Theater Center, a landmark in Philippine Arts and Culture where PETA continues to pursue its vision for our people and society: that lives, transcending race, class and gender may be enriched and empowered with each gesture, word, image, sound, expression and creative learning experience.