mini manila

I recently  saw a new performance work that left me excited, inspired and absolutely exhilarated.

WITHIN AND WITHOUT

by Paschal Daantos Berry and Deborah Pollard
with Valerie Berry and Anino Shadowplay Collective

                                                                                    Image: Datu Arellano

The work, rich in imagery, audience participation and sensory engagement, is in a league of its own. It is a reproduction of the city Manila. “Mini Manila” is made from recycled cardboard boxes, where shadowplay and surround-sound environments evoke the complete image. The work opens with the audience being welcomed by two of the artists, who then ask us to stand in a marked out circle and put a blind fold on. A soundscape builds and a blend of smells including incense smoke fill the room, drawing a vivid picture of the city lifestyle in your imagination. Immediately, we are placed in the chaos and excitement that is Manila. The audience is then taken into another room, where we first witness the city landscape made of cardboard boxes, and are taken on a series of tours through the city, learning about buildings, culture and history. We enjoy a festival, some local cuisine and a range of beautifully constructed images of shadows by Anino Shadowplay Collective.

Take a look at some of Anino Shadowplay Collective’s work in Within and Without here:

I took a few photos with my phone at the end of the show. You’ll see some of the cardboard city.

Artists: Paschal Daantos Berry, Deborah Pollard, Valerie Berry, Anino Shadowplay Collective (Datu Arellano, Andrew Cruz and Don Maralit Salubayba), David Buckley, Kenneth Moraleda, Melanie Palomares