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THEATRE IPAG: Towards a Golden Anniversary? The IPAG spirit through 30 and, hopefully, through more years: so sums the buoyant atmosphere of three events in two days last July 12 and 13 that commemorated the Pearl Anniversary. Eugenia Duran Apostol, Inquirer publisher, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, and Time Magazine’s Asian Hero, cut the ceremonial “abaca” last July 12 to open Diwang-IPAG, IPAG-diwang, an interactive multi-media exhibit that signified milestones in IPAG’s history while actors improvised performance. The commemorative program was graced by by Mindanao State University President Ricardo de Leon, MSU-IIT Chancellor Marcelo Salazar, Vice Mayor Henry Dy (representing Mayor Lawrence Cruz), deans, the academe, heads of the city government, and guests who have patronized homegrown theatre through our seasons. The program encapsulated the IPAG’s signature collage of images and sounds as segments flowed from one part to the next. A short documentary condensed IPAG’s and its artists’ contributions to Philippine art. Images of productions from 1978 flashed and acknowledged those who built the IPAG. In the IPAG manner, the transcreation of indigenous expressions shaped the Tausug pangalay, with the plaintive vocal background of “Ha Susulan Tawi-Tawi” merging with a contemporary “Sarimanok” piece. OPM song numbers punctuated portions enhanced by the choreographies of our dance pool. Greetings in digital files were sent via email by former Associate Ricardo Caluen from Toronto, Consul Grace Valera and the Migrant Heritage Commission from Washington D.C., and Rufino Ignacio from Tacoma, Washington whose endowment now supports the eponymous Niaga-Siruffy Awards. Contributions too from alumni were generous. The highlight presented awards to Nolly Ceballos (whose innovative choreographies fusing the indigenous with the contemporary have helped shaped the IPAG form) and to actress Eleanor Judith-Lila (for her contributions as office manager, property keeper, and performer that have set the IPAG standard for office efficiency). Both awardees have been with the Guild for over 2 decades. Filmed “Congratulations” from Ignacio was flashed on the large screen. With Ignacio’s support, the recognition of significant homegrown artists will soon be institutionalized by these awards. |
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IPAG: Towards a Golden Anniversary? Building on and moving from my Kaliwat experience Mindanao dance drama workshop in Pagadian City Kalimudan opens theater for peace tour |
photos: gauss obenza, maan chua, IPAG, kumbingan ensemble, geejay arriola, sining kambayoka, bobby timonera
copyright 2006 pixies and pixels