The 7th annual Southeast Asian Cultural Arts Festival is coming to the Vancouver region on Saturday August 16 2014 – a 1-day festival with martial, cultural, and theatrical activities and performances. Great for the whole family. And do not miss the potluck BBQ with SE Asian flavors.
Learn more – http://www.MonsoonSociety.org/SEACAF.html
Kathara is one of the many performance and training groups there.
KATHARA PILIPINO INDIGENOUS ARTS COLLECTIVE SOCIETY (Kathara Canada) is a non-profit arts and culture organization and a community-based theatrical group comprised of dancers, musicians, actors, poets, martial and new media artists. We are Canadians who are dedicated to the promotion of Philippine Mindanaoan Indigenous or “LUMAD” cultural arts & history as agents of peace, unity, and collaboration.
Since 2002, Vancouver has witnessed an artistic and cultural exchange with the 30 year- old Kathara Dance Theatre Collective from Davao, in the Southern Philippines.
Founded by Elenita “Boots” Dumlao and under the artistic direction of Filipino-Canadian Babette Santos, Kathara Canada continues to foster awareness of Philippine indigenous identity through theatre, traditional and contemporary music, dance and martial arts.Their colorful costumes,indigenous sounds with unique instruments and variety of neo-ethnic dance,martial movement, represent how beautifully diverse the pre-colonial Philippine roots really are
Kathara Canada members, although born in the Philippines, Canada or of blended origins, are all very passionate about connecting and exploring their Filipino heritage and sharing their experiences.Members occasionally travel to the Philippines to study with the Masters in dance or Martial arts,musicians, artists,community organizers,and indigenous groups in deepening their connection.
In the spirit of intercultural exchange as they did in their beginning, Kathara invites guest artists or collaborates with Vancouver’s World Music Musicians to explore the Philippines and its interwoven ancient history with linkages to India, China, Islam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Kathara Canada is committed to the preservation of all indigenous cultures and creating peace through art.
Reproduced under fair-use and with credit.