‘Performatura’: Literature as staged

A quiet change at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has happened recently. Its Literary Arts Division — the one tasked to propagate the artistry of words within an institution that, let’s face it, is more conducive to the performance arts —is now called the Intertextual Division.

The word “intertextual” may seem to nod at the contemporary, post-modern fashion of hybridity, signifying a crisscrossing of genres if not the total dissolution of boundaries between art forms. In this amorphous state, would literature—the one that we primarily associate with the written word, the leap of text directly to the imagination of the reader, the breathtaking poetic turns of phrase — still contain its potency as such?

For Herminio Beltran, CCP Intertextual Division chief, the change in name merely suggests a shift in focus: from the creator of the text to its receiver. “One of the many definitions of intertextuality,” he says, “is the relationship of writers and readers where the readers or the audience members in this case take primacy.” Now, the reader is not seen merely as a passive consumer of a literary work but an engaged — and venue-going — participant who takes it with all his senses alert.

Hence, for its first formal activity after its rechristening, the Intertextual Division holds “Perfomatura,” a three-day festival putting a spotlight on the orality of literature through various events to be held in the different venues of the CCP. From Nov. 6 to 8, audiences of all stripes will be treated to poetry performances, conversations with National Artists, speech choir, Balagtasan, open mic sessions and site-specific sound installation, among others.

National Artist for Literature Cirilo Bautista (left) will be featured in a conversation with STAR columnist Krip Yuson on Nov. 8 at the CCP Cafe. Spoken word poet Arianna Pozzuoli (left) from Canada will conduct a poetry slam workshop for educators as well as perform her own pieces. (Photo from the artist’s website)

While it seeks to introduce new ways with which literary works are received, “Performatura” (portmanteau of “performance” and “orature,” a word coined by linguist Pio Ziramu to emphasize oral literature being at par with the written word) also affirms our pre-Hispanic oral tradition that has persisted to this day. Proclaimed as “Masterpieces of the Oral Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO, the Hudhud of the Ifugao and the Darangen of the Maranao will be performed in the festival as well.

Other highlights include the performances of international guests that include dance artist Chelsea Ainsworth from New York, baritone Anthony Brown from Pennsylvania and spoken word poet Arianna Pozzuoli from Canada.

“The three international artists have all done work in the Philippines previously,” says Vim Nadera, festival director. “The participation of our foreign guest artist is in the spirit of intertextuality. We are promoting a global conversation and understanding between and among the text, the text makers (artists), and the audience that unite us as a people.”

Ainsworth visited the country in 2012 and 2014 to start and oversee the Project Philippines fund-raising campaign that provides art education through classes, workshops and performances. “By carrying out educational outreach through performance,” she says, “I have discovered that individuals can learn basic skills and values through a collaborative arts curriculum.”

Having toured the Philippines with local church peace groups in 2014 as part of his initiative as founder of Peacing It Together Foundation, Brown will perform his tribute piece, “I Go On Singing: Paul Robeson’s Life in His Words and Songs,” a medley of historical documentary format and live concert. Pozzuoli, on the other hand, will conduct a poetry slam workshop for educators as well as perform her own spoken word piece.

Those who intend to attend any of the pocket events must register at www.performatura.com and bring a book as a day pass. (The books, once collected, will be donated to the different libraries in depressed areas such as Payatas and Baseco Compound.) With its well-thought-out line up of events, it won’t be impossible for “Performatura” to become the next “Cinemalaya,” a bi-annual tradition gathering the lovers of words.