Simeon (Romualdez) defies his father (Lito Capina) and leaves the Philippines to seek his fortune in America. Simeon survives economic exploitation in Alaska and finds brutal racism in California. Esteban (Malalis) stays behind, finds the Americans to be racist overlords, and joins an anti-American underground organization dedicated to land reform. He becomes a leader in a peasant uprising against the Americans and the wealthy Filipino collaborators.
The production - reminiscent of "Last Virgin in Paradise" and "Think of a Garden" - is an artistic triumph for Kumu Kahua. It offers Kumu Kahua audiences fresh insights into the cultural roots and world view of another people rather than rehashing familiar themes and subject matter.
Playwright/director Chris B. Millado draws on the traditions of indigenous pre-Christian Filipino culture, the Catholic-inspired flagellation and penitential rituals adopted during the Spanish period, and the social impact of the American invasion of 1898. Several styles of Filipino martial arts add dramatically to the visual impact and strengthen awareness of the commonality of the brothers' experiences.
Even so, "PeregriNasyon" will be challenging for many viewers. Millado often juxtaposes realism and surrealism. Characters in one space may directly address characters elsewhere. It also takes greater knowledge of Filipino history and culture than Kumu Kahua provides in the program notes to fully appreciate the subtleties and depth of the script and the story.
The performances are easier to assess. Capina distinguishes himself twice - first as the very traditional father, than as a dashing and handsome taxi-dance hall boss. Romualdez and Malalis are dynamic and athletic leading men.
Anne Marie Selby has the most elaborate female role as Simeon's sensitive American white-trash girlfriend ("To make love to a white woman is to make love to America," Simeon writes to Esteban.) Jacques Abellira, Harold Bayang and Rodney Kwock do double duty as Simeon's fellow pinoys in the United States and as the rebel peasants. They're athletic warriors in both roles and high steppers as well performing with Romualdez and taxi dancers Mary Axthelm, Liberty Lemmo, Pam Sallop and Kehaulani Vanderford in an expansive cross-cultural dance number.
Ron Perry (set) makes effective use of old luggage and votive candles in creating a flexible physical environment. BullDog (lighting design), Keith Kashiwada (sound) and Alexander Torres (costumes) complete the sense of cultural ambience.
The one oddity is that while "PeregriNasyon" is billed as "an exciting tribute to the centenary of Filipino immigration to the U.S.," isn't this actually the centennial of the Filipinos' war of independence from Spain? That war was almost won when U.S. forces invaded the Philippines in 1898, and a second war then ensued as the Filipinos tenaciously but unsuccessfully defended their freedom. Filipino immigration to Hawaii began several years after the turn of the century.
On stage: "PeregriNasyon"
When: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 8
Where: Kamehameha V Post Office, 46 Merchant
Tickets: $10 and $15
Call: 536-4441
See our related article in yesterday's Star-Bulletin.