KP’s new works explore what it means to be a folk dance practitioner in a contemporary world, as a Filipino artist not living in their homeland. (KP Facebook)
Vancouver,B.C.
Vancouver’s premier dance company celebrates 25th year
By Ted Alcuitas
To celebrate its 25th season, Kababayang Pilipino (KP) presents ‘Tatak’ on November 23-24 at Vancouver’s Playhouse Theatre. Performances start at 7:30 PM.
‘Tatak’ is the Tagalog word for signature, or brand, and it is a fitting theme to celebrate KP’s 25 years of existence. The repertoire will feature brand new, original works created by KP’s choreographers. The pieces are rooted and inspired by traditional Filipino folk dance movement, and will be an expression of the connection that the artist has between the past and the present. Daring, bold and unapologetic, the new works explore what it means to be a folk dance practitioner in a contemporary world, as a Filipino artist not living in their homeland. The folk dance classics will always be there, but in Tatak, the performing artists attempt to answer the question of “What’s next?”.
Since 1993, Kababayang Pilipino has been wowing its audiences with its dynamic and dramatic traditional Filipino dance interpretations complemented by its authentic and brilliant costuming and fiery live musical accompaniment. Under the continuing direction of, Randy Romero, Kababayang Pilipino continues to push the boundaries – taking what is essentially folk, then making it contemporary and relevant. From its desire to discovering new horizons, while committing to preserving the authenticity of its presentations, Kababayang Pilipino, while always looking back to its new roots, continues to propel itself forward as one of the premiere Philippine folk dance companies in Canada.
Don’t miss out on this must-see performance!
* Tickets on Sale now! Go to tatak.brownpapertickets.com *
Founded in 1993, Kababayang Pilipino (KP) is a cultural performing arts group dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Filipino folk heritage through the presentation of authentic Filipino dance, music, song and drama.
Kababayang Pilipino provides the opportunity for its members to educate themselves and in turn, educate the community at large about the rich history and culture of the Filipino.
Under the direction of its long-time artistic director and founder Randy Romero, KP has toured the country and abroad including the Latium World Folkloric Festival, Cori, Italy, and International Folklore Festival Edegem, Belgium.
Randy Romero (Artistic Director/Choreographer)
A lover of the performing arts, Romero has been dancing and singing since the age of 3. Introduced to the folk arts at an early age, he has been involved with various folk dance groups in Saskatchewan and in the Greater Vancouver area, and in 1993, he was instrumental in the founding and establishment of Kababayang Pilipino of British Columbia, which is now the premiere Filipino folk dance companies in Canada. Since the beginning, he has served as its Artistic Director/Choreographer, and has directed all of its main stage productions to date. His artistic vision is defined by his thirst for new interpretations and by his desire to continue to raise awareness of the beauty and diversity of traditional Filipino folk dance movement.