Why ‘anthropology’ Is A Must-See Psychological Thriller
Barefoot Theatre’s Asian premiere of ‘anthropology’ blends AI, loss, and obsession into a chilling psychological thriller that asks how far we will go to avoid saying goodbye.
Words Gerie Marie Consolacion
Photos courtesy of Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
February 02, 2026
If you have ever found yourself wishing for just one more conversation with a loved one you’ve lost, the upcoming Asian Premiere of ‘anthropology’ is the theatrical experience you cannot afford to miss.
This March 2026, Barefoot Theatre Collaborative, the visionary company behind hits like Bar Boys: The Musical and Mula sa Buwan returns to the stage with a production that promises to be as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally devastating.
Where Sci-Fi Meets the Human Heart
Written by Lauren Gunderson, one of America’s most-produced contemporary playwrights, ‘anthropology’ is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully merges the sharp edges of science fiction with the raw ache of family grief.
The story follows Merril, a brilliant AI programmer who refuses to accept the disappearance and death of her sister, Angie. Driven by an inability to let go, Merril uses her technical mastery to “bring her back” as an Artificial Intelligence.
However, what begins as a desperate coping mechanism quickly spirals into a complex web of obsession, blurring the line between a comforting digital memory and a haunting “digital ghost.”
A Powerhouse All-Female Cast
This production is anchored by an all-female powerhouse cast that brings this “tech-noir” world to life. Jenny Jamora stars as the obsessed programmer Merril, while Maronne Cruz takes on the role of her sister, Angie. Joining them are Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Raquel, Merril’s ex-girlfriend and the vital “voice of reason,” and the legendary Jackie Lou Blanco as Brin, the sisters’ estranged mother.
Under the direction of Caisa Borromeo, the play interrogates the ethics of high-tech mourning. In an era where we can increasingly curate our own realities, ‘anthropology’ asks the haunting question: what does it truly mean to let go?
An Immersive, Screen-Mediated Spectacle
To capture the tension between humanity and technology, Barefoot Theatre has assembled a top-tier creative team to build an immersive, screen-mediated world.
With technical direction and lighting by D Cortezano, production design by Sarah Facuri, and cutting-edge video design by CueCraft and Steven Tansiongco, the Doreen Black Box at Areté will be transformed into a space where digital and physical realities collide.
Secure Your Seats
This is not a production that will linger; ‘anthropology’ will be staged for three weeks only, with a strictly limited run of 15 performances from March 13 to 29, 2026. An exclusive Early Bird Promo is available from January 19 to February 19, offering 15% off all tickets.
Ticket prices range from Standard Tickets costing Php 1,900 (Regularly Php 2,200), the Premium Tickets priced Php 2,200 (Regularly Php 2,500).
Don’t miss your chance to witness this bold and blistering exploration of grief and technology.
You can secure your seats today at bit.ly/anthropologytickets and prepare yourself for a story that will linger in your mind long after the screens go dark.
