Bayanihan in Helsinki

The performance “Bayanihan” was a collaborative piece which explored what is lost and what is retained during border crossing. In the duration of five days, Filipino volunteers built a kubo, a traditional Filipino hut, inside the Theatre Academy Helsinki. The working group imagined the possibility where the term “bayanihan” can also be derived from the word “bayani” (hero), an allegory for millions of overseas Filipinx workers scattered around the world. At the end of the five days’ work, a “karamsaw” (banquet) was served for everyone – volunteers, guests, and bodies present during the moment.

“Bayanihan” is part of my MA Dissertation, “Becoming” through Artistic Immersion: The “Bayanihan” in Helsinki

Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, 27.11 – 01.12.2017

Sincere gratitude to Christy Ann Balita, Florencio Fajardo, Nora Fajardo, Gwindolyn Dagondon, Florean Reston, Sam Billiones, Maricel Billones, Esteban Aquino, Philip Mauricio, Annamay Dormis, and the Filipino community in Finland. 

Video Credit: Jyrki Oksaharju