Bloodletting officially opened on March 31, 2018 at Playwrights Arena. This production is the first of Center Theatre Group’s three selections for its initiative – Block Party.
Bloodletting proves to be a fantastical journey to discover the power we hold within. On a visit to the Philippines to spread their father’s ashes, a brother and sister befriend a local girl who is revealed to be an Aswang, a supernatural creature from Filipino folklore. Together they unlock the truth about their father, and the truth about themselves.

It will begin previews March 29, open March 31 and closes on April 8. Written by Boni B. Alvarez and directed by Playwrights’ Arena Artistic Director Jon Lawrence Rivera, the play takes place on an island called Palawan. Farrah and Bosley, two Filipino American siblings who recently lost their father, arrive on the island to scatter his ashes when a typhoon hits and they are forced to seek shelter at a tiny café. The peculiar café owner and his granddaughter share tales of aswangs (witches) with the siblings—that is until Farrah discovers she has a few peculiarities of her own.

“Part of an ongoing relationship with playwright Boni B. Alvarez, ‘Bloodletting’ is set on a remote Philippine island and depicts native folklore through the eyes of Filipino Americans,” Rivera said. “Block Party will shine light on the diversity of our programming at Playwrights’ Arena and further showcase our work.”

Bloodletting runs from March 31 – April 8, 2018;

What: Bloodletting
Where: Playwrights Arena. 514 S Spring St., LA, 90013
When; March 31 – April 8, 2018; Tues-Sat 8pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 1pm & 6:30pm;
Website: https://playwrightsarena.org/