Ilonggo Cuisine and Society Shine at Iloilo Theater Festival
ILOILO CITY — The rich flavors of Ilonggo cuisine and the vibrant fabric of its society were brilliantly showcased during the 11th Iloilo Theater Festival (ILOTF) held recently. This year’s festival centered around the unique theme “Add Theater to Taste,” linking the region’s cultural identity with its recent recognition by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy in 2023.
The festival featured the University of San Agustin Little Theater (USALT), which presented “Halo-Halo Atbp.,” a series of four short plays intertwining iconic Ilonggo food staples with pressing social issues. These site-specific performances took place across the university’s main campus, creating an immersive experience that combined the sensory delights of batchoy, siopao, fish balls, and native coffee with thought-provoking narratives.
Four Plays Fuse Ilonggo Food Staples with Social Themes
Using food as a backdrop, the short plays explored contemporary social challenges through the perspectives of the youth. Festival organizers emphasized that this creative approach aimed to deepen the audience’s appreciation of both Ilonggo culinary heritage and societal concerns.
The event drew participation from various school and community theater groups across Iloilo and nearby Negros Occidental. These included Teatro Sinag from Iloilo Doctors College, Teatro Dagami of West Visayas State University-Little Theater, and many others, representing a broad spectrum of artistic voices. Groups from Negros Occidental such as Teatro Laragway and Maskara Theatre Ensemble also contributed, enriching the festival’s diversity.
Collaborations and Expert Discussions Enrich Festival Experience
The festival was co-presented by Teatrokon, the Western Visayas Theater Network, and supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation. Beyond performances, the event featured workshops and panel discussions led by theater practitioners and cultural experts. These sessions offered valuable insights into the interplay between theater, culture, and social issues, enhancing the festival’s educational impact.
Community leaders and local experts highlighted the importance of linking Ilonggo cuisine and society through art, as it fosters both cultural pride and critical dialogue. The festival’s success underscored how theater can serve as a powerful platform for storytelling and social reflection.
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