We thought that, with such a great classic story in our hands, adapting it as a short play would be quick and easy: this could not have been further from the truth. Our passionate young team, however, had definite ideas about how they wanted to bring John Steinbeck's The Pearl to you. 

We set the story of the impoverished Kino, Juana, and their infant Coyotito in an imaginary 20th century coastal village infused with a hodge-podge of Filipino elements: Tagalog phrases, Badjao-style diving, T'boli song, liturgical prayer, and more. We hope that our eclectic, pared-down staging expresses a universal message we have taken from the parable: how the organism of a village, infected with greed, can destroy itself and its own, but rise again.

This year, our actors wanted to choose a play for themselves: a play they loved, a play that would challenge their theatre skills, and a play that would be fun. A lot of this ensemble has been together over the past four years, and they've done tragic, pantomime, and a lot of devising with verbatim theatre. This year, they were so excited to adapt Oscar Wilde's classic script and put together a 40-minute show that included all the beloved moments from the full-length play The Importance of Being Earnest. Our new costume coordinator was so wonderful working with our students, adding authentic details with our props where possible and outfitting the students in traditional garb, much to their merriment. Add to that a tech team who kept things classic yet added a diamond flare to the set and lights. It's all been so much fun doing this show, and it's precisely what our seniors and leavers wanted in this very special IASAS Drama production. None of us want it to end.

In “She Kills Monsters,” journey back to the 90's and into the fantastical realm of Dungeons and Dragons. 

Agnes, a young woman grieving the loss of her sister, Tilly, unexpectedly dives into Tilly's secret world of gaming after discovering her Dungeons and Dragons notebook. As Agnes delves deeper into the game, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, including fierce warriors, slacker demons, and terrifying monsters, all reflecting aspects of Tilly's imagination and struggles. Guided by a dungeon master named Chuck, Agnes embarks on an epic quest filled with laughter, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Along the way, she confronts her own fears, insecurities, and prejudices, ultimately realizing the importance of acceptance, friendship, and embracing one's inner hero. “She Kills Monsters” is a poignant and exhilarating exploration of grief, identity, and the power of imagination to heal wounds both real and imagined.