Jo SiMalaya Alcampo is joining a group of Diaspora Dialogues authors for a day of readings at the secret Heritage Room, a crypt-like space underneath the Metropolitan United Church, as part of Doors Open Toronto.

They’ll read excerpts from their works, as well as selections of works that have been censored or banned, both at home and abroad, and speak about underground writing.  Gain access to this secret subterranean space and experience works — formerly or currently — buried by repressive governments, schools, and religious organizations the world over.

Readings all day, from 11 am – 4 pm. Check out DiasporaDialogues.com for the full list of authors.

When: Saturday, May 24
Time: 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen Street East
Cost: Free!

I am honoured to be the new Playwright-in-Residence for
2014 - 2015 at Cahoots Theatre Company supported by Diaspora Dialogues.   Over the next year, I will develop my historical drama "Hilot Means Healer" set in WWII in the Philippines.  There will most certainly be Singing Plants.

I am grateful to Carlos Bulosan Theatre for helping me grow these stories in their Play Creation Unit.  Maraming Salamat/Many thanks for the community love and support. I look forward to creating interdisciplinary art together.  - jsa

Kwentong Bayan:  Labour of Love is a community-based comic book project created by Althea Balmes (Illustrator) and Jo SiMalaya Alcampo (Writer) in close collaboration with Filipina migrant workers in the Live-in Caregiver Program. 
These are the stories that you don't see in mainstream media.  These are the stories that you won't find in most academic papers or research studies.   These are real-life stories of community and friendship, love and struggle, and women's empowerment.  

In the Filipino language, "kwentong bayan" is the literal translation of  "community stories" and our comic book project is rooted in love. 

Please visit our website to learn more: www.lcpcomicbook.com

i accepted an invitation to present my installation, Singing Plants Reconstruct Memory at the KAPWA-3 Conference on Indigenous Knowledges in the Academe to be held at the University of the Philippines in Baguio City from June 28 to 30, 2012.

KAPWA-3 will convene scholars from diverse Philippine universities and Schools of Living Traditions, cultural workers and artists who are actively involved with preserving Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) in their lifeworks.  There will be international discussants from Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, the USA and Canada whose research points to the importance of IKSP in formal education.

i will be journeying with a group of Filipino-Canadian healers, artists, and critical thinkers from Toronto: Aimee Gomez, Jennifer Maramba, Christine Balmes, and Kristen Sison.  we are committed to sharing the learning process with our communities.  so in truth, you will be journeying with us. 

peace/katahimikan
jsa

maraming salamat / many thanks to Kidlat Tahimik, Dr. Katrin de Guia, and the Heritage and Arts Academies of the Philippines (H.A.P.I.) team for their support.

learn more about our kapwa journey

Support my Carlos Bulosan Theatre playwrighting-mate, Flerida Peña as she presents Sister Mary’s a Dyke?! to the community - jsa

Sister Mary’s a Dyke?!  by Flerida Peña
Friday May 25, 2012 at 8PM
& Sunday May 27, 2012 at 2PM
Fringe Creation Lab
720 Bathurst St, Suite 403
Pay-What-You-Can

from the CBT Blog:  Six moths ago when the Carlos Bulosan Theatre Play Creation Unit formed with the Director of Play Creation Marjorie Chan, it was established that this year’s Tales from the Flipside would be a celebration of new works in development,.  What a celebration!  Each night we had to add more chairs to the crowds as the Playwrights introduced themselves and their inspirations through out their process.

_Carlos Bulosan Theatre in Partnership with Kapisanan proudly present

Flipside Festival + Tales from the Flipside
March 8-11, 2012
at KAPISANAN
167 Augusta Ave (Toronto)

For the past six months, members of Carlos Bulosan Theatre’s Play Creation Unit - Meesha Albano, Jo SiMalaya Alcampo, Darrel Gamotin, and Flerida Peña - have been led by Director of Play Creation, Marjorie Chan to develop their writing as emerging professional playwrights.

_Carlos Bulosan Theatre's 2011-2012 Season includes:

Tales from the Flipside (March 2012) featuring presentations by emerging professional playwrights - Meesha Albano, Jo SiMalaya Alcampo, Darrel Gamotin, and Flerida Peña - led by Director of Play Creation, Marjorie Chan.   More info: carlosbulosan.wordpress.com

Tempting Remo
Written by Jo SiMalaya Alcampo, Myk Miranda, Arlene Paculan, Flerida Pena
Produced by Carlos Bulosan Theatre
Performed by: Cole Alvis, Ben Brilliante, char loro, Christine Mangosing, and Regina Simon.
Presented at the Theatre Centre for Tales from the Flipside 2011
more photos here