buto/buto : bones are seeds
A community devised theatre performance based on stories and poetry from Vancouver’s Filipino-Canadian Community
Looking beyond the Pacific Ocean, the ensemble of buto/buto (pronounced: buh’toh-buh’toh) : bones are seeds reconstructs the life of Benson Flores, one of the first Filipinos who lived on Bowen Island, BC in the late 19th century. An article written by Filipino-Canadian journalist Joseph Lopez about Ben sparked interest in the ensemble. The all Southeast Asian cast explores their contemporary migration stories through the history of Filipino migration to Canada. Set in fictional Barangay San Diego, buto/buto : bones are seeds is a collection of vignettes dramatizing the stories of the first Filipinos who came to Canada through the 1791 Malaspina Expedition, the 19th-century Filipino community on Bowen Island, Vancouver, the Filipino community today, and more. Told through different modes of storytelling and performance, these narratives—inspired by Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal—speak to where we’re from, where we are, and where we’re going.
The project is in partnership with the National Pilipino Canadian Cultural Center (NPC3), and the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Society (SEACHS), with special participation of Anyone Can Act Theatre (ACAT). The project is extremely grateful for the magnanimity of the Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, the City of Vancouver, and community donors. For members of our community, this performance is a nod to well-understood and documented shared experiences, and for those who are not, this performance is an inside look into our village, our barangay, through the eyes of those who experience it every day. Welcome to the barangay of Vancouver.
Situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
SHOWTIMES
Preview (BY INVITATION ONLY) | Wednesday, July 27, 2022 | Doors Open 7:00pm, Show Starts 7:30pm
Opening Night | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | Doors Open 7:00pm, Show Starts 7:30pm
Show 1 | Friday, July 29, 2022 | Doors Open 7:00pm, Show Starts 7:30pm
Show 2 | Saturday, July 30, 2022 | Doors Open 7:00pm, Show Starts 7:30pm
Closing Show | Sunday, July 31, 2022 | Doors Open 2:30pm, Show Starts 3:00pm
TICKET PRICES
General Admission | $25
Student OR Senior (65+) | $15 | Discount Code: JRIZ15
If you are purchasing two or more tickets, please complete separate transactions for each student/senior.
Are finances a barrier? Please contact us for more information.
AUDIENCE ADVISORY
Theatrical devices such as strobe lights, haze machines, and mature content may occur in this production. Some content may be upsetting to younger audience members.
ACCESSIBILITY
There is a wheelchair ramp to the main entrance and a wheelchair lift to access the downstairs washrooms and wheelchair accessible washroom.
PARKING WARNING
There is limited street parking on Campbell Avenue outside the main entrance. Please avoid "Permit Only" parking spaces and “No Stopping” signs within the vicinity of the venue. Do not park within the residential parking lot behind Russian Hall. Vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.
CONTACT US
Email us at butobuto@npc3.ca
