In a West End dance studio Filipino-Australian artist Buddy Malbasias is sprawled out, sweating and covered in rice.
In a few short weeks he will take to the stage alongside performance partner Clare Dark to perform Bahala/o – a genre-defying work that explores culture and identity through a fusion of traditional and contemporary dance styles.
Drawing from the Filipino philosophy of ‘Bahala Na’, the work is seriously unserious, tender yet cheeky and delightfully queer. Malbasias collaborated with several iconic Filipino artists including DJ Love (Sherwin Tuna), the pioneer of budots, a pulse-pounding grassroots genre of electronic dance music, as well as Buboy Raquitico, an internationally acclaimed movement artist based in Manila.
Malbasias was born in Bukidnon, an agricultural centre for the Philippines. With Bukidnon known as a major producer of rice, Malbasias has integrated the iconic food as both a physical storytelling tool and thematic anchor for the show – it rains from the ceiling, is scattered across the stage, and hurled at performers.
For Malbasias, this work allows him to invite audiences in to connect and ask questions – how do we translate ourselves across all our different places and identities? How do we honour where we come from while making space for who we’re becoming?
“Bahala/o is for those living in diaspora and those who have ever felt like they don’t fully belong – living in a state where identity is always shifting, adapting, negotiating. This work isn’t about offering answers, but about inviting reflection: how do we express ourselves fully, in all our multiplicity?” says Malbasias.
With a laugh, he adds – “This work is also for those that just appreciate hot, fun art — playful, cheeky, and full of heart.”
Metro Arts’ CEO Kieran Swann spoke on the journey Bahala/o has taken to reach the New Benner Theatre:
“This work illustrates the incredible creative potential here in Brisbane. It’s hard to believe this is Buddy’s first full length work – he brings such exciting skills in different dance styles, and a fresh perspective on how culture shapes who we are.
“Metro Arts is proud to have supported the development of Bahala/o, and now to support Buddy to bring it to the stage for Brisbane to enjoy.”
So sit down, embrace the multiverse of existence and get ready for 60 minutes of unmissable expression through movement.
Tickets to Bahala/o are available via: https://metroarts.com.au/event/bahala-o/
Recommended Age 16+
