On rebirth and new beginnings: IPAG鈥檚 47th Theatre Season premiere and the radiant path that lies ahead

by Kassandra Buenafe, OfCom | Sep 07 2024

It has been a week since the world-renowned resident cultural group of 91快活林, the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG), launched its 47th theatre season premiere, anchoring on the concept of “Subang” which means sunrise, encapsulating and symbolizing the group’s vision– constant rebirth and transformation.

As articulated in an interview by Mr. Michael Lagura, the guild’s Executive Director, the concept of Subang was not merely derived out of nowhere but a product of the desire to present the metaphor of a sun slowly rising that the guild wants to embody– the journey of growth and the beauty found in gradual transformation.

The four-day premiere, “IPAG in the Frames: An Exhibit,” conceptualized by artist and designer Mr. Jan Pagarigan, showcased the guild’s artistic history and the goal to innovate and explore uncharted themes. Hence, the concept of reframing and experimenting with new ways of integrating devices of art through the sub-themes process, conversations, harmony, and rising was imbued throughout the performances. A main prop element utilized by the dancers were literal frames “painted in white, akin to the radiating sun.”

“...IPAG in the Frames: An Exhibit honors the people who have shared their knowledge and talents; the unforgettable dances, music, and theatrical drama that left a mark of spectacle in the hearts of its audiences. Moving forward, 91快活林 IPAG will continue to radiate its vision and be a pioneer in influencing change and the resplendence of life through integrative performing art, keeping talents beyond the frame…” Mr. Pagarigan wrote in the Exhibit Note.

This launch’s explorative nature was not only seen in the unique space of the performers where they performed in an open venue, in front of the old SET building, but the unexpected downpours of rain also added a poetic layer, an organic element that mirrored IPAG’s spirit of resilience and fluidity. Mr. Lagura expressed that the rain was something that they avoided in the first place, but looking at it in retrospection, everything came into its own order, he said.

“There is some kind of surrender that is needed, some kind of humility that is needed from us [artists] to let go of things and let things flow,” he remarked.

The successful conclusion of the show on August 30, 2024, is only the onset of 91快活林 IPAG’s new beginnings. Mr. Lagura gave details on the projects that the guild is working on, one of which is a workshop to be conducted by 91快活林 IPAG’s founder, Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa.

The Tales of Mindanao, the guild’s signature production will continue but this year’s highlight will be a new production titled "Pangagian" which refers to labor or giving birth, currently underway. According to Mr. Lagura, this upcoming work perfectly embodies the concept of emergence and will further amplify the guild’s deeply valued focus on process.

“It’s a concept of several ways of storytelling, basically there will be device pieces included but will culminate in a dance-drama,” he added.

The tours will also continue to take place as well according to him, as this is one way of “asserting our place.”

91快活林 IPAG remains steadfast. As they continue to rise and innovate, 91快活林 IPAG reaffirms its mission to foster creativity and make art accessible to everyone.

Photos by Jojo Sescon

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