Ang Atong Isla

Our Island

Ang Atong Isla is a collaborative, devised, documentary theatre project, made by the people of Pamilacan Island and facilitated and directed by Jerrey David Aguilar from Kasing Sining, with Joseph Alford from theatre O. The process of creating the work is the subject of a hybrid documentary film by Vietnamese filmmaker Mai Huyền Chi, who co-leads the project.

The idea was born out of Jerrey’s desire to engage with the stories of the people of Pamilacan and their history as a community of whale hunters. Led by Jerrey with the help of Joseph, the project opened up a space for the participants to talk about the history of the island, the challenges of its present and its dreams for the future.

Pamilacan’s history has never been told, never written down; this was an opportunity to start a journey over the course of which the stories of the island could be shared and its dreams for the future articulated and the challenges of the present engaged with. Pamilacan is a place being shaped by strong outside forces, both human and climate related, a place that is at the mercy of these forces but whose voice is not heard.

Unseen and unheard…

Ang Atong Isla is the first step to being both seen and heard. In a world that is more ‘connected’ than ever, it is essential that we understand the true nature of that connectedness, that actions in faraway places have life-changing impacts on the other side of the world. What happens on the island of Pamilacan is profoundly connected to what is happening across the globe; seeing and hearing what the island has to say will help us all understand the world we live in, the planet that we share.

Community Creators and Performers:
Pedro Baugbog • Agaton Baugbog • Fabia G. Pingkian • Miriam V. Miculob • Jobelle Luza • Saturnina A. Quilas • Julie G. Operio • Andrea O. Pioquinto • Cindy Marie B. Valeroso • Rey Justin G. Operio • Nelson John V. Celmar • Renz Carl P. Victoria • Primitivo Pioquinto

Director/Facilitator : Jerrey David Aguilar | Associate Director/Facilitator: Joseph W. Alford | Co-Producer: Mai Huyền Chi

Consultant: Lutgardo L. Labad | Script Supervisor: Daveson Torculas | Music Director: Odoni Pestelos | Production Design: Marvin Ablao | Projection Director: Christian Paul Naparota | Production Manager: Charo Mae Apipe | Production Staff: Carlo Marabiles | Camera Team: Tino Trinh and Vinh Nguyen

The project was produced by Kasing Sining, with support from British Council Vietnam, Kontribute, Local Government Unit of Baclayon, and Barangay Council of Pamilacan