On its 91st season, the Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) is staging an interactive dark comedy, “Karne,” a reimagining of Roald Dahl’s “Lamb to the Slaughter.”

Written and directed by the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s senior artist-teacher and the FTG’s artistic director, Dudz Teraña, “Karne” invites audiences into the aromatic home of a 1980s Filipino couple where every glance is loaded, every moment of silence is loud, and the kitchen holds more secrets than spices.

Set in Lubotan, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, “Karne” combines absurdity with sincerity, and laughter with quiet dread. Part comedy, part mystery, part love letter to the mundane rhythms of rural life, it is a genre-defying theatrical experience that blends Bisaya, Tagalog, and English, and transforms the audience into a living, breathing household.

“This play holds up a mirror to the lived realities of an individual, grounding itself in raw humanness,” Teraña said. “It offers a more layered and flavorful approach to staging—bold in form, grounded in truth, and unapologetically relevant. ‘Karne’ is not just something to look forward to; it’s an experience that lingers.”

At the heart of the story are Mary and her husband, Police Capt. Patrick Patrosa, the seemingly ordinary couple navigating the everyday challenges of married life. Mary is portrayed by Maria Mayano, with Julia Nicole Ramas and Janae Dionisio alternating; Patrick is brought to life by RB Pascua, with Aaron Bayani and Arvin Javier alternating.  

What begins as a quiet evening unravels into a chaotic yet poignant reflection on intimacy, expectations, and the fragile ties that hold both relationships and communities together. 

Supporting the couple are their close friends—Dante (Jonas Cunanan, Renz Dotillos, Jharelle Villalobos), Ellen (Dianne Andallo, Maria Ysabelle Delos Reyes), and Maloi (Bjorn Pestaño, Margarita Barrameda, Sheila Peralta)—as well as Patrick’s colleagues, Police Lt. Elnar (Arvin Javier, Shawn Tarala), Patrolman Enopia (Kristian Samson, Justin Abalos), and Patrolman Credo (Dave Bambang, Kirstan Orbegoso). 

Grounding the narrative in generational memory are the affectionate grandmother and grandchild: Mrs. Poblacion (Cassandra Herilla, Irish Oliveros, Trisha Tan) and Estong/Estang (Lorenze Moral, Nash Desonyo, Heleina Li). The ensemble is rounded up by the lively market vendor Samuel (Julian Anabo and Migi Mesina).

Founded in 1934, the FEU Theater Guild is one of the oldest student theater organizations in the Philippines. It is known for socially relevant productions and is committed to nurturing new talent, telling Filipino stories, and reimagining theater as a space for truth, provocation, and community. 

“Karne” runs at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio on Sept. 11–13, 18–20, 25–27; Oct. 2–4, 9–11, 16–18, 23–25, 30; and Nov. 6–8. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices are ₱200, ₱500 and ₱700. Connect with the FTG on Facebook: Far Eastern University Theater Guild, Instagram and TikTok: @feutheaterguildofficial, and Twitter/X: @ftg1934.