San Francisco, CA—An all Filipina cast took the stage this weekend for Babae-San Francisco’s very first theatrical performance, Pinay Stories: Memory, Connection, Roots. Showing at the Off Market Theater on Dec. 4 and 5th, te Pinay Stories left the audience inspired, empowered, and uplifted. Babae members held nothing back as they shared personal stories about family, love, loss, and everything in between.
Partnering with award winning Dramaturg Jeannie Barroga, and Director Lorna Velasco, members of Babae San Francisco produced original writings based on their life experiences. These writings were then transformed into monologues, movement pieces, and short skits, bringing life to the stories on stage. The Babae Ensemble featured in the show consists of ten women, none of whom have never professionally acted on a stage before, but underwent several months of writing and theater training.
"A lot of heart and soul has been put into the making of this show. The stories portrayed are deeply personal, but it is our hope that by sharing them, it will prompt other Filipinas to take steps in sharing their own life experiences. It is in the weaving of our histories where we can gather strength in each other as a community." said Joanna Maderazo, Chairperson of Babae.
The Pinay Stories Project is a national effort of Gabriela USA chapters to collect and encourage the creative efforts of Filipino women that reflect their life stories, journeys, and struggles. Babae has published a Pinay Stories zine in the past, containing short stories and poetry written by Filipina women.
Pinay Stories: Memory, Connection, Roots is showed at Off Market Theatre in San Francisco.
( Published December 11, 2009 in SF Magazine p. 4 )
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
