PHILADELPHIA, PA — Raw confession, sharp satire, glittering cabaret and deeply personal storytelling will take over the stage this March as Theatre Exile brings back its annual Philly GRIT series.
Running March 18–29 at Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th Street, the South Philadelphia company once again spotlights daring, unfiltered solo work by Philadelphia and Philadelphia-connected artists. This year’s lineup features Bastion Carboni, Justin Jain and Cookie Diorio — three performers transforming lived experience into fearless theatrical journeys.
“Each of these works takes audiences on a distinct theatrical journey,” said Deborah Block, Theatre Exile’s Producing Artistic Director. “They’re funny, fearless, and emotionally honest. They reflect the complexity of the world we’re living in and illuminate the importance of being thoughtful about how we choose to walk through our lives.”
The series opens with A Vacation by Bastion Carboni, a dark comedy about influencer culture and the dangerous consequences of chasing spectacle at any cost. The story follows a fictional influencer whose quest for extreme content leads audiences somewhere unexpected — Purgatory.
Next, Barrymore Award-winning performer Justin Jain reimagines Chekhov in The Dangers of Tobacco, blending classic text with personal narrative. Jain deconstructs the one-act into a contemporary exploration of identity, memory and possibility through the lens of a first-generation queer Filipino-American artist.
For one night only, Cookie Diorio closes the series with Camp Cookie on March 26 — a speakeasy-style cabaret weaving original songs, reimagined classics and heartfelt monologues into an intimate celebration of survival, belonging and joy.
Post-show discussions follow select performances, giving audiences a chance to engage directly with the artists.
Event Details
- What: Philly GRIT Solo Performance Series
- When: March 18–29, 2026 (select dates for each performance)
- Where: Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Cost/Tickets: Single tickets and two-show Flex Pass subscriptions available; post-show discussions included with general admission on select dates
- More Info: Visit https://www.theatreexile.org or call 215-218-4022
With humor, vulnerability and theatrical daring, Philly GRIT once again invites audiences into intimate encounters that challenge narrative, identity and spectacle — all from the heart of South Philadelphia.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.