South Philadelphia-based theater company Theatre Exile announces the return of its annual Philly GRIT series in March, spotlighting daring, unfiltered work by local and Philadelphia-connected artists.
Philly GRIT continues Theatre Exile’s commitment to amplifying provocative voices and presenting work that is raw, irreverent, and deeply human. This year’s lineup features Bastion Carboni, Justin Jain, and Cookie Diorio. Throughout March, theatergoers can explore their takes on influencer culture, a reimagined Chekhov classic through a contemporary queer lens, and a glittering cabaret celebration to welcome spring.
A Vacation by Bastion Carboni
A Vacation is a dark comedy about manifesting, destiny, and the dangerous consequences of unchecked entitlement. With biting humor and razor-sharp satire, playwright and performer Boston Carboni skewers influencer culture, spectacle, and the moral cost of chasing clout at any price.
Performance Dates:
- March 18 at 7 p.m.
- March 21 at 8 p.m.
- March 22 at 8 p.m. (Post-Show Discussion)
- March 23 at 7 p.m.
- March 27 at 8 p.m.
- March 28 at 3 p.m.
The Dangers of Tobacco by Anton Chekhov and Justin Jain
This Chekhovian one-act receives a wild comedic overhaul in this inventive mash-up of classic and contemporary storytelling. What begins as a lecture about the dangers of smoking, reluctantly delivered by a weary professor at his wife’s insistence, quickly unravels into a confession of a life lived in quiet compromise, haunted by the question of “what could have been.”
Performance Dates:
- March 19 at 7 p.m.
- March 20 at 8 p.m.
- March 21 at 3 p.m.
- March 25 at 12 p.m. (Post-Show Discussion)
- March 28 at 8 p.m.
- March 29 at 3 p.m.
Camp Cookie with Cookie Diorio
Philadelphia-based drag performer Cookie Diorio, a classically trained vocalist, songwriter, created Camp Cookie as a love letter to storytelling and the power of shared experience. Camp Cookie weaves together original songs, reimagined classics, and heartfelt monologues exploring identity, survival, and belonging, set against the intimate, communal energy of a campfire gathering. This speakeasy cabaret blends live vocals, laughter, drinks, and of course… cookies.
Performance Date:
March 26 at 7 p.m.
For ticket information:Theatre Exile
Theatre Exile is at 1340 S 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147)
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