Areté introduces new Artistic Director: Jerry C Respeto, PhD

We are proud to announce that Dr Jerry C Respeto is our new Artistic Director.

Dr Respeto is no stranger to the Filipino performing and literary arts communities, with an illustrious career deeply rooted in the academic study of theater spanning more than three decades of experience. He holds an impressive educational background having earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Literature: Filipino from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2007. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Arts in Philippine Literature from UP Diliman and Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from UP Manila.

His dedication to scholarly review and representation of arts in the Philippines has been exemplified throughout his tenure at Ateneo de Manila University starting as an Assistant Instructor at the Department of Filipino, School of Humanities, in 1994 to his eventual induction as Chair of the Department in 2011. Dr Respeto has also made significant progress as former Chairman of the Board for the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP) and as former Director of the Fine Arts Program at Ateneo de Manila's School of Humanities. He was recently awarded the Gawad Paz Marquez Benitez Lifetime Achievement Award for Teachers of Philippine Literature from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat ng Pilipinas (UMPIL) at the 50th National Writers’ Congress held last April 2024.

Through his anthology of published literature including works such as “Bayang Panitikan: Ang Pagtatanghal ng Kabanalan sa Pakil, Laguna” (2007) and his contributions to “Paano nga ba Manuod ng Dula?” (2022), Dr. Respeto has clearly distinguished himself as a mentor, educator, and advocate, shaping the landscape of Filipino theater and inspiring countless students and colleagues in our field. 

As our new Artistic Director, he will undoubtedly elevate the innovative mission of Areté, fostering a dynamic environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. His unwavering commitment to promote Filipino talent will propel our institution to new heights and solidify our position as a beacon of cultural enrichment.

Dr Respeto will officially assume the Artistic Directorship of Areté in June 2024. We look forward to this exciting next chapter in Areté’s history with enthusiasm, unity, and mutual support for the transformative power of Filipino performing arts excellence.