13 March 2014- Upon the initiative of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, “Bayan-Bayanan,” the award-winning play by Bienvenido Noriega, Jr., premiered in Canada on March 07 at the St. Michael Center for the Arts in Toronto, one of Canada’s most creative cities.
Directed by internationally-recognized artist, playwright and director Dr. Anton Juan, “Bayan-Bayanan” brought together raw talents from the Filipino community in the Greater Toronto Area for theatre workshops over a period of three months conducted by the erstwhile enfant terrible of Philippine theatre.
With the support of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, Eskwela Inc. and Western Union teamed up as the play’s producer and presenter, respectively, for evening and matinee shows on March 07 and 08 which the audience invariably rewarded with prolonged standing ovations.
In his opening remarks at the Canadian premiere of Bayan-Bayanan, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie B. Gatan regarded the play’s heartwarming stories as a rallying point for unity among Filipinos overseas. He called for a deeper appreciation of the community support system that enables Filipinos to cope with the challenges of migration to foreign lands while providing spaces for them to thrive in their adoptive country. For her part, Philippine Consul General in Toronto Junever Mahilum-West thanked the volunteer cast and crew for broadening the Filipino community’s cultural fare. Mr. Chito Gonzalez, Country Development Manager, Western Union, cited the theatre production as the most significant and socially-relevant project that his company has sponsored thus far for a Filipino-Canadian audience.
The play paints stories of a group of expatriate Filipinos in Geneva, Switzerland in the late 70s, which decade saw the fourth wave of Filipino migration against the backdrop of political and economic uncertainties in the Philippines. Gathering in Manang’s house, the characters play out their backstories, reveal their fears and express their aspirations in a life journey where they could easily lose their way.
The Toronto production’s cast of characters include Josie de Leon as Tessie, Veronica Javier as Anna Marie, Jill Alvarez-Javelosa as Aling Pia, Larry Sabido as Ginoong Luz, Paul Timothy Lim as Dino, John Alix as Paul, Matthew Sabido as Ricky, Ethelrida Zabala-Laxa as Manang, Julian Guerrero as Manong, Deo Moreno as Ginoong del Castillo, Chyrell Samson as Ginang del Castillo, Chloe San Juan as Luz and Ramon Istaris as Tiburcio. Jovie Calma and Mary Jane Agra played the role of Connie alternately.
Dr. Juan has directed this play in Athens, London, Geneva, Paris and Chicago. In Toronto, he added ethereal scenes and characters to reinforce the play’s core of memories and realities that audiences could connect with.The producer, Eskwela Inc., is an event management company that offers inspiring, instructive and celebratory programs that encourage Filipinos to grow to their full potential.
“Bayan Bayanan is an experience that transcends the stage. It is a tribute to the triumph of the Filipino spirit over the stark realities of life overseas. The play affirms the permanence of a culture that prompts helping hands towards a kababayan in need. While it is said that we cannot choose our families,Filipinos are blessed with such big hearts that allow them to make not just friends but also virtual families anywhere,” Ambassador Gatan observed. END