Brisbane review - Bahala/0: Whatever Happens, Happens!

By Lilian Harrington

Production: Bahala /O

Performance Dance Presented by Metro Arts.

Director/Choreographer: Buddy Malbasias

Location: Metro Arts, 97 Boundary St., West End Qld.

Season: November 19-29 Evgs. 7 :30pm.

Bookings: Try Booking; Metro Arts (07)30027100

What a buzz it is for artists when Metro Arts encourages programs that provide theatre patrons an opportunity to visit their theatre in the West End Village, and witness diverse and alternate performances, unlikely to be seen anywhere else in Brisbane! 

The current season at Metro Arts offers an opportunity for Brisbane theatre fans to witness an important emerging talent, Filipino Buddy Malbasias, a multitalented artist who is originally from Bukidnon, in the Philippines; he has developed his performance skills and ideas working independently as an artistic researcher, a creative director and a performer.

Buddy Malbasias, like many young artists, likes to explore his cultural and familial connections, and aspects of his Australian experience, through explorative, modern dance techniques, and interdisciplinary connections; Using inspirational ideas, he has developed his routines over 18 months supported by his creative team, to bring his raw material and choreography up to performance standard.

His work Bahala /O is a statement about: “Whatever Happens, Happens”. Culturally, it looks at identity and the two worlds of tradition versus his world of dual identity and change.

Supported by Metro Arts, which encourages alternate art forms, Buddy’s artistry has been staged in their New Benner Theatre, where he has used the space effectively, to create a rice filled – fantasy on a Budots runway. Dance and theatre drama are used to portray this image, where identity becomes blurred when mixed together on a raised platform.

Supported very skillfully by his beautiful dance partner, Clare Dark, performer and collaborator, he has developed various scenarios to show the tension and difficulties encountered between tradition and self, in a 50-minute ensemble. At times breaking the fourth wall to interact with audience in rice throwing and teasing them; sweeping rice at them, or having them throw rice back at the dancers, as part of the dance routine.

The effective costuming from Aeron Maevin, was carefully thought through and allowed for freedom of movement, either in the rough woven cloth, or the free -flowing white outfits, or gym gear.

Although the storyline and routines weren’t always easy to follow, the colorful and creative sequences in the choreography were complimented by a strong lighting design from Brianna Clark, along with smoke and distinctive sound effects, under the stage management of Petria Leong.

The choreography was inspired by the talented Buddy’s early grounding in the Philippines and the way in which he crafted his exploration of his inner self and events, influenced by his cultural beginnings and his own life choices in duality. Through the rice theme, he has tried to weave gestural depth, and stage theatrics together through objects, to create an evocative statement that both challenges and resonates with the audience.

Buddy Malbasias has been fortunate enough to get support from several local organizations in order to mount this very creative production; For instance, he was assisted by Studio 1, Backbone Youth Arts, and other culturally diverse groups in the community and because of this support, he has been able to bring this Asian – Australian creative ensemble, to the stage in its all-empowering format and say “Bahala Na”!

The season runs until November 29 at Metro Arts. Due to the nature of the program, it is recommended as suitable for those aged 16 and over, so for those who enjoy modern dance and diversity, it is a great go see!