Philadelphia Theatre Company launches its milestone 50th anniversary season with La Egoísta (“The Selfish”). This touching and humorous play perfectly embodies the season’s theme, “We’re a Philly Thing! A season of plays of, by, and for the people of Philadelphia.”
Written by Dominican American playwright and Philadelphia native Erlina Ortiz, La Egoísta reflects the vibrancy and resilience of the city’s diverse communities. With an all-Hispanic/Latino-identifying cast and creative team, the production will coincide with the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo, La Egoísta tells the story of two sisters, bonded by duty and love, whose relationship is tested by the challenges of career ambitions, caregiving, and what it means to sacrifice for the ones you love. La Egoísta first premiered in February 2023 (Actors Theatre of Louisville/ Louisville, KY) following a reading at the 2022 Latinx Theatre Commons. As a 2022 National Latine Playwrights Award winner, this production’s Philadelphia premiere marks an essential moment in PTC’s history, spotlighting the rich, multifaceted narratives that define the city.
Josefina (Sasha Merci), La Egoísta’s witty protagonist, is a wildly funny, independent, and compassionate big sister and Philadelphia-based stand-up comedian who takes nothing seriously except the well-being of her little sister Betsaida (María Gabriela González). When Betsaida becomes ill just as Josefina’s career begins to take off, she experiences an inevitable clash between her responsibility toward her sister and the pursuit of her dream.
Marisol Rosa-Shapiro and Jonathan Tineo are also featured in the show.
Playwright Erlina Ortiz and director Tatyana-Marie Carlo share a robust artistic connection, united by their commitment to telling powerful, culturally resonant stories that center on themes of identity, family, and the Latine experience.
If You Go
Previews for La Egoísta begin on Oct. 4, and the play runs through Oct. 20, with Opening Night on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The production runs 100 minutes without intermission.
PTC’s production offers several affinity nights for various audiences, including
- Community Night on Friday, Oct. 11
- Black Theatre Night on Friday, Oct. 18
- Post-show talkback takes place on Sunday, Oct. 13
- Audio-described performance on Saturday, Oct. 12
- Open caption accompanied performance on Saturday, Oct. 19.
- ASL-interpreted performance on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Tickets and info can be found at philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) is at 480 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146