Welcome: Flipzoids: Theater Review

Monday, January 24, 2011

Flipzoids: Theater Review

Last Wednesday, Jan 19^th, 2011, I had the honor of attending a great off-Broadway theater production entitled, Flipzoids, near Times Square in New York City. Written by Ralph B. Pena and produced by Ma Yi Theater Company, the premier Asian American Theater Company in NYC.

I was automatically drawn into Flipzoids based on the set design. I’ve never seen a show that had beach sand as the main performance space. Also, the backdrop included a wall filled with names of distinguished Filipino/Filipino American writers. The main character, Aying, played by Ching Valdes-Aran, touched my heart with her imaginative storytelling and her dramatic struggles of being a Filipino immigrant in Los Angeles, Ca. Flipzoids includes 3 core characters: a nurse, an elderly mother and a confused teenager. Through the dialog between these characters, audience members were able to explore the important subject of generation gaps within immigrant communities in America.

There is something for everyone in Flipzoids. I highly recommend a night to watch this amazing show that reminds the 21^st century of theaters subtle yet powerful magic!

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News & Views:

Albert Samaha wrote in the Village Voice, "In UNIVERSAL self, Bautista seeks to define the struggle of urban American youth through the lens of identity. The show’s ongoing tension lies the battle between his identity on the street and his identity in his home. He was one of the lucky ones. His grandmother woke him up at 5 a.m. every Sunday to go to church. His uncle taught him Filipino martial arts. And his passion for hip-hop drove him toward the notebook."

Rosalie Marks - Assistant Principal, Young Adult Borough Center in Brooklyn, "I sincerely thank you for working with us and the students at the YABC Program. You are truly inspiring. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated."

Dante Basco (Actor) shared on twitter, "support my friend [Kilusan Bautista] and amazing Fil-Am artist."

Professor Cynthia Marasigan, "In front of an energized, standing-room-only audience of Binghamton University students, faculty, and community members, Kilusan Bautista delivered a performance that was inspirational, educational, and intensely captivating. Bautista brilliantly weaved historical references to colonization and revolution with contemporary issues of gentrification and urban poverty, showing how broad political and socio-economic structures personally and deeply impacted his family and identity. The result was a multifaceted show that resonated with every audience member, in a prolific art form that no book or lecture could replicate. Bautista's performance left the Binghamton University community feeling enduringly electrified, informed, and empowered." - SUNY Binghamton University, Department of Asian and Asian American Studies

Dominque Morisseau (Playwright) wrote, "Kilusan! Thank you for this awesome message. I checked out your link and saw the clip from your show - it looks dope! I'm interested in your voice and would love to support your art :) peaceandlovedominique :)"

Nonito Donaire (World Boxing Champion) expressed, "As a professional boxer I have used a variety of ring entrance music to walk into. Collaboration with Kilusan was actually the first live performance I’ve had at my fight. The professionalism he showed during preparation and leading up to my fight was exceptional and only gave me added confidence when he stepped in the ring and held the microphone. The walls of my locker room amplified the beats and echoed his performance in the ring. It sent an electrical shock waive of confidence, pride and inspiration from my heart to my fist. Kilusan is an inspiration through his word and music to all walks of life."

Raymond Townsend (Former NBA Star) announced, "Congratulations, my brother Kilusan, fly on the wings of His favor, love and grace and fulfill His calling. I'm very proud of you, continued blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ."

Theo Van Alst (Former Assistant Dean of Yale College & Director of the Native American Cultural Center), "Kilusan's visits to Yale are always a highlight of our Cultural Connections program. His intensity, passion and sincere concern for student's shines through in everything he does. We look forward to his return!"

Jack Moore, (Administrative Assistant to the Artistic Director and Executive Director, The Public Theater), “I saw Universal Self last week and was very impressed with your work. I hope you have some productions in the pipeline – please let me know if you ever have any upcoming shows that myself or someone else from The Public could come check out. Again, thanks for putting on such a good show. I’m looking forward to more.”

Terry Park, (Prison University Project), “....honored that Kilusan Bautista performed an excerpt from his solo show Universal Filipino in his San Quentin State Prison class. The students were moved by a story that resonated so well with their own struggles. And we had another great discussion on masculinity, in relation to Frank Chin’s “Chickencoop Chinaman,” that preceded and connected with Kilusan’s performance.”

Daniel Gallant, (Executive Director of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, NY), “Kilusan Bautista captivates audiences with his multi-character exploration of the Filipino-American experience. Bautista employs monologue, music and martial arts to construct an engaging and evocative saga.”

John Leguizamo (Actor) tweeted, "Break a leg!"

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Monday, January 24, 2011

Flipzoids: Theater Review

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