PHILADELPHIA, PA — Theatre lovers looking for something daring, unexpected, and deeply human won’t have to look far this March. Theatre Exile is bringing back its acclaimed Philly GRIT series, inviting audiences into an intimate South Philadelphia theater where local and Philadelphia-connected artists will share fearless performances exploring identity, culture, and the strange corners of modern life.
Hosted at Theatre Exile’s home at 1340 S. 13th Street, the annual series showcases raw, provocative work designed to spark conversation and challenge audiences to see familiar ideas in new ways. This year’s lineup features three distinct productions—each offering its own take on storytelling, satire, and lived experience.
“Each of these works takes audiences on a distinct theatrical journey, from a fictional influencer’s descent into purgatory to a bold reimagining of Chekhov through a contemporary queer lens,” 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.”
Three Unique Stories Take the Stage
The first production, A Vacation, comes from playwright and performer Bastion Carboni. The dark comedy follows a fictional influencer named Colton who has built a massive online following by documenting the world’s most extreme places. In the show, that quest for spectacle takes a surreal turn when the character invites audiences along for a journey into Purgatory itself. The play blends biting satire and humor to examine the moral cost of chasing online fame.
Next, The Dangers of Tobacco, originally written by Anton Chekhov, receives a bold reinterpretation from Barrymore Award–winning performer Justin Jain. The production transforms the classic one-act lecture into a deeply personal story drawing on Jain’s experience as a first-generation queer Filipino-American. The result is a comedic yet emotional performance that blurs the line between storyteller, character, and confession.
For one special evening, audiences can also experience Camp Cookie, a cabaret-style performance by Philadelphia-based drag artist Cookie Diorio. Known for combining opera training, original music, and activism, Diorio’s show weaves together songs, storytelling, and humor around a campfire-inspired stage setting that celebrates identity, belonging, and shared experience.
Event Details
- What: Philly GRIT Performance Series
- When: Multiple performances throughout March 2026
- Where: Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Cost/Tickets: Two-show Flex Pass subscriptions start at $30; individual show tickets available
- More Info: https://theatreexile.org
Performance Highlights
A Vacation — Bastion Carboni
- March 18 at 7:00 PM
- March 21 at 8:00 PM
- March 22 at 8:00 PM (Post-show discussion)
- March 23 at 7:00 PM
- March 27 at 8:00 PM
- March 28 at 3:00 PM
The Dangers of Tobacco — Justin Jain
- March 19 at 7:00 PM
- March 20 at 8:00 PM
- March 21 at 3:00 PM
- March 25 at 12:00 PM (Post-show discussion)
- March 28 at 8:00 PM
- March 29 at 3:00 PM
Camp Cookie — Cookie Diorio
- March 26 at 7:00 PM (One night only)
Post-show discussions will follow the March 22 and March 25 performances and are included with the price of admission. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Theatre Exile box office at 215-218-4022.
Founded in 1996, Theatre Exile has built a reputation for staging bold productions that push artistic boundaries while creating space for meaningful conversation. The Philly GRIT series continues that tradition, offering audiences a chance to experience powerful storytelling from artists unafraid to challenge expectations.
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