Phase 1 focused on hiring Filipino artists to support Joseph in creating the script and score through a series of workshops and readings beginning at the PTE Festival of New Works in May 2019 and ending with a reading of Draft 3.5 on Rainbow’s main stage in September 2021 for nearly 1,000 people. Over 70 Filipino artists from ages 11-73 were engaged during Phase 1!
We are now in Phase 2 of the plan, with a goal of introducing the musical to as many Manitobans as possible as we finalize the script and score, and begin developing the choreography and digital design. On March 3, we hosted a Choreography Workshop at Kickit Dance Studio led by team members Joseph Sevillo, Dutchess Cayetano and Victoria Exconde, with 3 local commercial dance choreographers, 12 dancers, and 3 singers participating. Also in March, we held a fourth workshop for the script and score and hosted a free reading of Draft 4.5 at Maples Theatre on April 1, for 160 people.
A 60-minute workshop presentation of Ma-Buhay: The Road To Rainbow Stage will be occurring at the 2023 Winnipeg Fringe Festival! This project is workshopping and showcasing 9 songs from the musical, with newly developed choreography by Joseph Sevillo and the same 3 choreographers from our recent Choreography Knowledge Exchange Workshop. It also features animations and videography by 10 students from Sisler’s Create Program and costumes generously provided by Paquin Entertainment Group. Please come check it out!
Phase 3 begins at the end of this year, with a focus on pre-production elements such as set, costumes, orchestrations and digital design, all culminating in the world premiere production…coming soon!