About this project

With the support of our first 60 backers, we have made the minimum project amount! But the effort is not over. We continue to seek support towards our larger fundraising goals over the next year as we pursue more grants and venues to make the work into a full-length piece. So, join us and keep spreading the word! There are still 6 days for people to join the Kickstarter, and after that, they may send checks to us directly or donate via the Paypal button on www.aimeesuzara.net. Thank you!

Join the Pagbabalik (Return) Project, a collective founded by writer/performer Aimee Suzara, as we develop our second multidisciplinary performance piece, A History of the Body. Fusing poetry, theater, dance, and visual/stage design, the show explores the devastating impacts of colonization on the body, examining the ways body images of immigrants, with special attention to Filipino women, have been affected by historical and media influences. For the Fall 2010 phase, we focus on conceptions of beauty, particularly the use of whitening cosmetics and our attitudes towards skin color. The GOAL of the show is to BRING AWARENESS TO IMPORTANT FILIPINO-AMERICAN HISTORIES and bring HEALING to the often-fragmented FILIPINO/A AND WOMAN OF COLOR in America. BE A PART OF THIS EFFORT as we research and develop the piece through the year, with the goal of a full-length production in October 2011. HELP US MAKE THIS SHOW A REALITY!

In September and October, Filipino arts organization Kularts hosted two successful WORKSHOPS with women in writing, movement, and visual art. And in November (20-21), Kularts will present A History of the Body’s Fall 2010 phase Work-in-Progress with lead artist talkbacks. You'll witness an installation of the work, then participate in a facilitated discussion with the creators and players.

WHAT YOU'LL SUPPORT: Your donation would help pay for space rental, costumes, set design, promotional flyers, documentation, costumes and artist fees as we prepare to stage the work and develop it throughout the next year into a full-length production. You’d also be supporting our workshops with women about beauty and body image. Examples of what your donation would cover:

· $50: 1-2 hours rehearsal space or rental space for workshops
· $100: 2-3 hours rehearsal space or flyer design.
· $200: One evening’s sound and lighting technician fees or a photo shoot.
· $300: Videography for one show.
· $700: Rental of theatre space for one weekend night.

And some Testimonials from A History of the Body Workshop participants:

· The space created by the skills/knowledge of the facilitators was so beautiful and inspiring. I was able to be self-reflective and heal while being a part of the entire group. I wish these workshops happened more often.
· Thank you for providing a safe space for our creativity to flow and for us let our guard down. This (Body Image) is such an important topic to continue to dialogue about, especially as Filipina women in this society.

The thing is: if we don't make the minimum of $1800 by Nov 14, all of the donations get CANCELLED. So please check it out and become a backer today with the biggest amount you can afford. Pass it on to at least 5 folks!

Thank you for in our group,our vision, and in ART for POSITIVE CHANGE!

*note: promo video created by Eli Africa.