CULTURAL VISIT MAKING A LASTING IMPACT...

The following article was front page headline in the recently launched newspaper, THE WEEKLY MARINDUQUE, which I edit. The stage play referred to was a huge success... that artistic and creative inspiration derived by a supportive audience are just now beginning to surface...

FROM MARAWI TO MARINDUQUE -

CCP’S SINING KAMBAYOKA ON GASAN STAGE!

They were hailed in 1997 by the Cultural Center of the Philippines as the best theater group in the country. Their most successful work, “Broken Dream”, a dance-drama that revolves around the lives of the people of Mindanao caught in the conflict of war and how that war and greed shattered the people’s dreams, is the Philippines official entry to the “2006 Contacting the World Festival” in Manchester, England and the “Aberdeen International Arts Festival” in Scotland.

Sining Kambayoka Ensemble (SKE) is the resident theatre company of Mindanao State Univesity, Marawi City. Leaving an impressive mark among the critical audience worldwide in UK, they returned to the country to wow more audience from Luzon, Visayas and their native Mindanao where they have become a household word.

Reviews from England included the following remarks: “ The company has no fear! They tried new ways of expressing themselves while still holding on to their traditions. Taking the risk was fantastic. They made a beautiful piece that challenged you to think about the world!”, wrote Dianne Thornton, artistic facilitaro of the CTW Festival.

“The company made a bold and brave decision to make a narrative that drew on traditional performance linked to contemporary stories!”, said Noel Greig, festival artist mentor. “There was a high level of drama which kept it moving at a pace which was entertaining. It was very epic and almost “operatic” in its style and form”, said artistic director Sam Scott of New Zealand.

As part of CCP’s outreach program to bring theatre to the grassroots communities (a purpose not really akin to the Marinduque audience where a few theatre groups have survived a different type of conflict), SKE will conquer the Gasan stage with their world-renowned piece.

The Marinduque performance is part of the outreach tour that includes Pila, Laguna, Colegio de San Agustin (Nov 7), Miriam College (Nov 8), Malolos, Bulacan (Nov 10), Arellano University (Nov 13), San Fernando, La Union (Nov 15), Marikina (Nov 15), and Gasan, Marinduque (Nov 18).

The Marinduque performance comes at a time when the newly-installed administration of Gov. Bong Carrion has declared the development of traditional arts and culture as a major component of the eco-tourism and cultural-tourism package being promoted by his administration to spur economic development.

“We also have made sure that the production will be made accessible to the less privileged members from the barangay communities by bringing the show to Gasan”, said Carrion. “It is also a recognition of the initiatives made over the years by the people of Gasan in cultural and tourism development.

Mayor Vicky Lao Lim of Gasan has sought the help of individuals and schools to ensure the success of the project: “We have a very small budget for cultural programs and had to tap the assistance of our culture-bound kababayans who are enthusiastic to see this world-class show!”

Director Carmencita Bernardo of the outreach and exchange division of CCP and the office of the governor’s consultant for cultural affairs and tourism development, Eli Obligacion are the principal coordinators for the show.

The show will be preceded by a mini-workshop for local arts groups to share with them the kambayoka theater form as well as Mindanao music and dances. On the other hand, the Gasenos have volunteered to hail the group through their traditional “Putong” and “Kalutang” music. Bernardo has guaranteed that the performance, interaction and workshop are very unique learning experiences that will surely be educational and engaging.

Showdate is on Sunday, November 18th, at 7:00 PM at Gasan Municipal Tennis Court.










Sining Kambayoka hailed in Manchester