Welcome to Culture Night 2020: Kaarawan. After over a year of planning that saw us attempt at least three different formats for this show, we are thrilled and proud to present this digital experience to you. Although we could never have imagined the path this production would take, we are gratified that this digital archive preserves the two most important facets of Culture Night: the incredible efforts and creativity of our members and a theme that echoes loud and clear throughout the Filipino American community.

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When creating the theme for this Culture Night, we asked ourselves what about the Filipino American experience was still left unexplored--more specifically, the young Filipino American’s experience. The idea of a debutante seemed to come rather suddenly and yet made perfect sense. What better way to capture the complex relationships between generations than with a spectacular birthday gathering? What better way to show the hardships of growing up than with a headstrong debutante on the cusp of adulthood? 

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Even though you are not sitting in the Commonwealth Auditorium, waiting in anticipation, we sincerely hope you enjoy the show. Perhaps viewing it at your own pace, with your own imagination, will allow you to connect with these themes and characters in unforeseen ways. After all, at Kaarawan’s heart lay a universal idea: that bravery comes from being true to yourself. 

 

And one last time, we offer our deepest gratitude to all those involved in this production: actors, singers, dancers, choreographers, coaches, crew members, donors. You made this show beautiful, and we hope you hold this show as fondly in your hearts as we do. Kaarawan is our love letter to you.

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With love,

Your Culture Chairs

 

Katherine Baisa ‘20

Patrick Canteros ‘20

Jamelah Jacob ‘21