John Roel Cabana from Philippines

(2019 CPI Participant of Actor’s Studio Jaturi)

John Roel Cabana

QUESTION 01

Please introduce yourself briefly.

I am John Roel Cabana, a theater artist from Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

QUESTION 02

How did you come to participate in the CPI program and what was the biggest motivation for you?

I was invited to apply by our Philippine Head of Delegation for CPI, Mr Carlo Flores. He told me that I should try my luck since this is a very good opportunity. At first, I was hesitant because I am a fresh college graduate and participating in any kind of program is not part of my plan since I have decided to look for a job immediately after graduation. But realizing that I am really an artist and I wanted to pursue this path for my career was my biggest motivation to apply for the program. With that, I made sure that I have strong application so I could grab this opportunity.

QUESTION 03

Have you ever heard about Bilingual base Theater which is the main project of Actotor’s studio Jaturi? How did you feel participating as an actor of Bilingual base Theater?

Actor’s Studio Jaturi had two projects during our stay with them. It was the 6th Incheon Bilingual Theater Festival and “Station City Hall”: A Bable Project.

These two projects involved networks that speak in different languages. With the two projects, we were involved as an actor and production staff. The experience was quite difficult because of language barriers.

However, I think that is the beauty in it. Having to speak in different languages and being gathered in one space gives the people involved a wider perspective and would allow them to further their sense of understanding.

Overall, I am amazed about the bilingual projects and I hope I could share this idea to my country. Having to come from a country that has more than 170 dialects, I think this kind of project that involves language could open a wider sense of appreciation and understanding among the Filipinos.

QUESTION 04

2019 CPI program in Actotor’s studio Jaturi is all finished. Which part was the most helpful and impressive?

The most helpful and impressive part was during the mounting of each production we were involved. During the process, we were able to apply and learn more about the stage lighting. We were also able to go along with people who speaks in different languages. Having been in that kind of situation allowed me to open my mind for understanding and also for learning.

QUESTION 05

What kind of cultural exchange and collaboration would you like to see between Philippines and Korea in the field of theatre?

I have seen the beauty of staging of bilingual theater plays and I think this would be a very good project between the two countries.

Projects that involved theater workshops, cultural exchange and education and stage plays can create an avenue for the Filipino and Korean theater artists to have a sense of collaboration and friendship despite of the language barrier. I have noticed that the way the Korean theater artists treat their stage plays is different from the way the Philippine theater artists treat their plays and I see this as a huge opportunity for learning from one another.

I believe in the power of collaboration and I think the Philippines and Korea has a lot of things to collaborate in the field of theater.

QUESTION 06

What is your future plan after returning to your country?

I aspire to share what I have learned in the program to the company where I came from, which is The Xavier Stage, and also to the community. I will also continue to work for the culture and the arts in the Philippines.

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