29 & 30 April 2022
Lee Foundation Theatre
Kathabi is a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration among NAFA, University of the Philippines and the Revival Dye Cooperative. The partnership among the staff, students and alumni of both educational institutions culminated in a dance theatre performance adapted from the Itneg tribe's folktales about the origins of weaving. Stakeholders of this performance collaboration explored the creative possibilities of balancing traditional and contemporary perspectives. The costumes incorporated handwoven textiles from the Revival Dye Cooperative which sources its materials from the Itnegs, and featured handwoven traditional embroidery and tie-dye patterns unique to the tribe. Fashion Studies students designed and handled these textiles in non-conventional and sustainable ways, while musicians mixed tribal with contemporary instruments to compose music for the choreography.