By Molly Given
South Philadelphia’s Theatre Exile is bringing back its annual Philly GRIT series this weekend. The ongoing celebration of bold, unfiltered work by local and Philadelphia-connected artists will be hosted at the company’s intimate venue, with a mission to amplify provocative voices and present work that is “raw, irreverent, and deeply human.”
This year’s lineup spotlights a dynamic trio of artists—Bastion Carboni, Justin Jain, and Cookie Diorio—each bringing their own unique perspective to the stage. Across the event, audiences can experience performances that dive into influencer culture, rework a Chekhov classic, and celebrate the arrival of spring with a glittering, high-energy cabaret all in one place.
“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,” says 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.”
‘A Vacation’, the latest work from Bastion Carboni, brings a sharp, satirical edge to Theatre Exile’s Philly GRIT series this March. The dark comedy follows Colton, a thrill-seeking influencer who’s built a massive following by documenting extreme and inaccessible places—only to take audiences on his most outrageous journey yet: a trip to purgatory. With quick wit, the piece explores influencer culture, entitlement, and the cost of chasing attention at any price.
Performances run March 21, 22 (featuring a post-show discussion), 23, 27, and 28, with a mix of evening and matinee showtimes.
‘The Dangers of Tobacco’ by Anton Chekhov (reimagined by Justin Jain), on the other hand, transforms a one-act performance into a “bold, comedic, and deeply personal” theatrical experience. What starts as a reluctant lecture on smoking spirals into a thoughtful and humorous confession of a life shaped by compromise and “what could have been.” Blending clowning, storytelling, and cultural reflection, Barrymore Award-winning performer Jain infuses the piece with their perspective as a first-generation queer Filipino-American.
Performance dates are March 19 to 21, and March 25 to 29 (select times; the March 25 performance also includes a post-show discussion.)
Finally, ‘Camp Cookie’ with Cookie Diorio boasts a one-night-only speakeasy cabaret that blends live vocals, storytelling, and queer performance into a campfire-style experience. Diorio, a Philadelphia-based drag artist and classically trained vocalist, mixes original songs, reimagined classics, and monologues to explore identity, survival, and belonging. ‘Camp Cookie’ will be performed one time only: On March 26 at 7 p.m.
Audiences can choose from a variety of two-show Flex Pass Subscriptions (starting at $30) to see Philly GRIT and also Exile’s other upcoming show outside of the series, ‘The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar)’. Single show tickets are also available online or by calling the Theatre Exile box office at 215-218-4022.
The post-show discussions on March 22 and 25 are included in the price of a general ticket. For more information, visit theatreexile.org or follow Theatre Exile on Facebook, X, and Instagram.