The MSU-IIT Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) supported by a grant from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) launched the first Directing course in Philippine Theatre.

From April 30 to May 11, nine Fellows selected from the various regions of Mindanao joined eight other participants in completing the 2012 Mindanao Directing Workshop. The intensive course covered the various disciplines of the craft of directing including the managing of performance groups to equip the next generation of theatre directors.

The Fellows represent regions in Mindanao with active theatre and dance groups. They are: Rosalie M. Escala (WMSU Theatre, Zamboanga City), Brigido Lacaran (Kahika Dance Troupe, Lantapan, Bukidnon), John Michael C. Lagura (IPAG, MSU-IIT Iligan City), Tamano S. Mantawil (Sining Kandidilimudan, MSU-Maguindanao), Hosen S. Ngilay (Teatro Ambahanon, RMMC, Gen. Santos City), Jim C. Raborar (So. Cotabato Culture and Arts Found, Inc., Koronadal), Pepito P. Sumayan (Sining Kambayoka, MSU, Marawi City), Ted Nudgent F. Tac-an (Teatro Guindegan, LSU, Ozamis City).

The ninth Fellow Ulyses Presillas was supported through a bursary granted by Ricardo Jorge S. Caluen, former Associate Artistic Director of the IPAG and now based in Toronto, Canada. The Caluen fellowship is intended to enhance skills for Iligan-based directors.

Joining these Fellows are John Suico McRae, Diane Marie Therese Clemente (St. Peter’s College), Blesy Cece (IPAG), Razell Velez (Xavier Stage), Leilani Ambor (Iligan Capitol College), Onah Peralta Talle (Central Mindanao U, Bukidnon), and Julius Hechanova (East District Special Program of the Arts).

The program works to sustain theatre and dance production through the enhancement of skills, the reinforcement of theory, and the development of audiences in Mindanao. It complements other initiatives that have been set up by the Artist Resource Management (ARM) of the IPAG in the plan to set up a cultural institute in the MSU-IIT soon.

The program is the brainchild of IPAG Founder Steven Patrick C. Fernandez who is assisted by Hobart Savior, IPAG Associate Artistic Director and Artistic Director of the Xavier Stage of Xavier University.

Topics : ipag