Carlos Bulosan Theatre resumes programming for ‘23
Carlos Bulosan Theatre artistic director Leon Aureus and associate producers Rielle Ramos and Hanna Donato. ENRIQUE BANIQUED
TORONTO — Filipino Canadian performing organization Carlos Bulosan Theatre kicked off the year with a social mixer for the creative community titled “In the Mood for Kilig.”
After a pause of several years for the Filipino Canadian artistic community due to the pandemic, artistic director Leon Aureus said that “in its continuing efforts, 40 plus years and counting, to foster and build community, Carlos Bulosan Theatre hopes to rekindle the love for creation and the arts.”
“We also wanted to make ourselves known as an organization that can provide a space to grow and find support, as we continue to make meaningful work,” Aureus added, as he announced the group’s programming for the year and to introduce the group’s new associate producers Rielle Ramos and Hanna Donato.
Performed and hosted by Joy Castro and Dom Brillantes, the improvised and interactive play began with a mixer and then turned into an open mic to allow the attendees to get to know each other and share their current works.
Future projects
The company aims to “activate and re-engage the Filipino Canadian community and our allies back to the theater arts, and more specifically, activist theater.”
“One of our core values in creating activist-centered theater is to educate the masses on factual events and relevant topics that are important to the greater Filipino narrative. We feel a deep connection to serve our diasporic community and help retain our community’s connection to the Philippines.”
The event was hosted by Domniqiue Brillantes (standing, left) and Joy Castro (standing, far right). ENRIQUE BANIQUED
“In recent years, especially during the Philippine elections, the proliferation of revisionist history and fake news in the Philippines has become very concerning. It’s important to curb the rise of revisionism, misdirection and the bending of truth through our work in theater and community building.
“By supporting emerging Filipino Canadian artists to develop their own theatrical works that represent the diverse realities of Filipino Canadians, we hope to build connections via arts, community and cultural exchange.”
Activities
To achieve these goals, this year, the company will be holding a “Drrrty Kitchen” playwriting workshop to be followed by a recital of the developed works in its “Tales of the Flipside” showcase.
It will have a series of play readings called “Recollections,” focusing on the company’s past works. It will feature artists who were involved in those productions. Discussions will conclude each reading.
A podcast is intended to have “conversations and reflections on where we’ve been, where we stand, and where we’re going as a theater company, as artists, ‘artivists’ and as a community.”
There are also plans to release an anthology of plays and historical highlights from the company’s run as the nation’s longest standing Filipino-Canadian theater company.
Great
“Overall, the event was a great kick-off to the year. The attendees filled the space with much warmth and laughter led by our amazing hosts. I’m excited to have Rielle and Hanna onboard as new associate producers. This company has a history of strong and brilliant women leaders,” said Aureus.
“There was a great buzz, an amazing energy afterwards as people stayed long after the performances were over. We also had a fantastic open mic proving, no doubt, that Filipinos really love to perform!”
For details, email [email protected].
