A Century of Dead Stars: Filipino Literary Classic Reborn as Radio Drama!(Audio Drama)

Ateneo de Manila University's School of Humanities, in partnership with the Ateneo Library of Women's Writings (ALiWW), is presenting a new audio adaptation of Dead Stars, the landmark short story by Filipino author Paz Márquez-Benítez.
Originally published in 1925, Dead Stars is widely recognized as a pioneering work of Philippine short fiction in English. Its exploration of love, longing, memory, and the difference between romantic illusion and reality has made it an enduring part of the country's literary heritage.
The story follows Alfredo Salazar, a man whose engagement to Esperanza is complicated by his attraction to another woman, Julia Salas. Years later, Alfredo must confront the difference between the emotions he once experienced and the reality of what remains.
The new radio drama offers an opportunity to introduce this classic work to contemporary audiences through the intimacy of audio storytelling.
Presented under the Robby Kwan Laurel Grant, the adaptation forms part of the centennial celebration of Dead Stars.
The official launch takes place Friday, November 13, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Rizal Library's Special Collections Building, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines.
For the international audio drama community, the project illustrates how radio theatre continues to provide new interpretations of established literary works, preserving cultural stories while making them accessible to new generations.
Event Information
Date: November 13, 2026
Time: 3:30–5:00 p.m. Philippine Standard Time
Location: Rizal Library, 3/F Special Collections Building (Old Library), Ateneo de Manila University
Learn More:
Official event announcement:
https://www.ateneo.edu/events/2026-11-13-paz-marquez-benitez-dead-stars-radio-drama
Information about a public streaming release has not yet been confirmed.