KATHABI

Georgette Yu

Kathabi is a multidisciplinary collaboration among the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines and the Revival Dye Cooperative. It is a partnership among the staff, students and alumni of both educational institutions which culminates in a dance theatre performance adapted from the Itneg tribe's folktales about the origins of weaving. This performance collaboration allows stakeholders to explore the creative possibilities of balancing traditional and contemporary perspectives. The myths and customs of the Itneg Ilaud community represent tradition, while the contemporary choreography heralds modernity by paying homage to the folk dances of the tribe. The costumes in the dance incorporate handwoven textiles from the Revival Dye cooperative which sources its materials from the Itnegs. These garments feature handwoven traditional embroidery and tie-dye patterns unique to the tribe. Fashion students design and manipulate these textiles in non conventional ways allowing for sustainable practice, while musicians mix tribal with contemporary instruments to compose music for the choreography. They all engage in cross-cultural discussions through online discourse on southeast asian aesthetics paving the way for the sharing of values, knowledge and skills amidst the challenges of a global health crisis.