Welcome: Universal Filipino at La Pena Cultural Center, Berkeley, CA

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Universal Filipino at La Pena Cultural Center, Berkeley, CA

FOR ADVANCED TICKETS CLICK HERE

For Immediate Release:

What happens when Manny Pacquaio takes off his boxing gloves? What happens when the Jabbawockeez take off their masks? What happens when the Invisible Scratch Pickles, Beat Junkies & 5th Platoon pack up their turntables after rocking a party? What happens when Arnel Pineda of Journey puts down the microphone?

These iconic Filipino/Filipino Americans go home and live their lives. The contemporary Filipino and Filipino American experience is a renaissance journey filled with incredible talent, tremendous struggle and resilient hard work. Yes, we are in the process of reclaiming our authentic artistic expressions and defining our own legacy!

Welcome to the moment where we can be completely free, where we can kick off our time traveling shoes, put to rest our Lapu Lapu shield of historical protection and bury the eskinol skin whitening, soul crushing centuries of colonial tears. Welcome to the post-modern-technological world of being a UNIVERSAL FILIPINO.

On October 21st, 2011, at the La Pena Cultural Center in Berkeley, CA, audiences will experience the return of a Hip Hop Theater Production entitled, UNIVERSAL FILIPINO. Written and performed by Kilusan Bautista, a Bay Area, CA raised and New York City based performance artist; with special artistic direction by Lia McPherson, a Brooklyn based performance artist.

UNIVERSAL FILIPINO cultivates the artistic aesthetics of Hip Hop Theater, Spoken Word Poetry, Emceeing and Interpretive Movement to offer a creative and cutting edge presentation. There is a battle underway deep within our minds and souls. UNIVERSAL FILIPINO is a new solo Hip Hop Theater production that brings to life the internal battles for Americanized children of immigrant parents. During his youth, Kilusan is haunted by a historic hater who wishes to destroy his self-esteem by influencing him into a helpless, violent and psychologically troubled state of existence. Malakas is an ancestral guardian spirit who exists to guide Kilusan in remembering his true self worth and connection to his people. It is now up to Kilusan to make the right choices as a youth of color in urban, working class America. Shall he fall victim to the statistics of growing up in a “high risk” environment, polluted with drugs, violence and crime? Or shall Kilusan find his Destiny and live a life that possesses knowledge of self?

Set within the 1980’s and 1990’s, Bay Area, CA, UNIVERSAL FILIPINO will take audiences on a journey of struggle and redemption. The challenge for youth of color in America is not just black and white. The stories for Americanized, so called “2nd generation”, children of immigrant parents are continuing to surface as a reminder of the need to balance, validate and make sense of all the cultural world’s represented in one’s identity. Are you ready to experience a thought provoking, ‘Edu-tainment’ reality that brings you closer to the universal family living room?

Community Partners:

United Playaz;

SFC Boxing;

Urban Healing Tour

La Pena Cultural Arts Center;

Urban Crazes;

2nd GEN;

Open Line Media

ARISE HS;

Philippine American Writers Association;

Bindlestiff Studios

Hyphen Magazine;

Poor Magazine;

RAMA;

PapaLoDown PR

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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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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Universal Filipino at La Pena Cultural Center, Berkeley, CA

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