Celebrate Center for Philippine Studies Anniversary with “Dancing in the Diaspora”

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s (UHM) Department of Theatre & Dance, Kennedy Theatre, and the Center for Philippine Studies (CPS) proudly present “Dancing in the Diaspora”, a high-energy dance production directed by Dr. J. Lorenzo Perillo.

Perillo is the Co-Director of CPS who is also an Associate Professor in UHM’s Theatre & Dance department. To celebrate CPS’ 50th anniversary, he created this dance concert to spotlight the Filipino diaspora in Hawaii through dynamic choreography and cultural storytelling.

“‘Dancing in the Diaspora’ delves into the interconnected lives of Filipinos maneuvering the waters of belonging and exclusion in Hawaii and beyond,” said Perillo.

The production also highlights groundbreaking collaborations, including works by international and local choreographers Mary Chris (Mycs) Villoso, Von Ace Asilo, Angela Sebastian, Ron and Lydia Querian of House of Gongs, Manarii and Nalini Gauthier of Tahiti Mana, and local designer & cultural promoter Iris Viacrusis.

In addition to honoring CPS’s 50th anniversary theme “Rooted in the Past, Growing Together,” “Dancing in the Diaspora” distinguishes itself through innovative community engagement.

The production incorporates outreach with local student organizations, groundbreaking collaborations among choreographers, and even a dance film created with Kennedy Theatre’s custodial staff.

“As we honor the past, we look forward to mobilizing and transforming for a brighter future, inspiring new generations through education and cultural exchange,” shared Perillo.

“I hope audiences see how hip-hop, house, popping, locking, contemporary dance, budots, and ‘Ori Tahiti are equally compelling vehicles for Filipino storytelling.”

“Dancing in the Diaspora” will run until November 23 at the Kennedy Theatre Mainstage in UHM. Tickets start at $6 and more information is available at manoa.hawaii.edu/liveonstage/ditd. For ticketing or accessibility questions, please email the box office at ktbox@hawaii.edu or call 808-956-7655.