(exp)lore Podcast | Episode 6: Lola, Nanay, Anak

(exp)lore

A DIGITAL AUDIO THEATRE EXPERIENCE

(EXP)LORE YOUR WORLD. Experience lore.

(exp)lore is a fiction anthology podcast to be enjoyed in the community while social distancing. These site-specific stories take an imaginative dive into the past and future of Calgary’s inner city. Each episode immerses the audience in a rich audio play while they explore the world through a new lens.

Episode 6: Lola, Nanay, Anak

by Maggie Mackenzie and Kodie Rollan

After the loss of her grandmother, Jen, a third-generation Filipinx woman, comes to terms with her culture and her relationship with her mother and grandmother. Through a series of letters and flashbacks, Jen is taken through the immigrant's experience across three generations of Filipinx women. Lola, Nanay, Anak is a ritual; it's a prayer. It is a celebration of Filipinx matriarchs, community, and honours the immigrant's experience and how it carries forward throughout different generations.

Episode Location:

Rundle Ruins, Victoria Park, Calgary SE

You should be listening to this episode at Rundle Ruin, a historical site in the Victoria Park neighbourhood of Southeast Calgary. It is located at 632 13 Ave SE, Calgary, AB.

HINT: Take a seat among the ruins.

Episode Personnel

Thalia is a proud multidisciplinary Trans ARTivist and Fashion Stylist #sakscalgary. She’s a foodie and an Art collector luxury handbags included. Performance credits: Moon Legends (SideNote/DIY Theatre); The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Cappuccino Musical Theatre); Broadway The Early Years (Impromptu Concert Series, Toronto); Tawa Filipinx Comedy Festival (Bad Dog Theatre); Memoirs of a Trans Artist (120 Diner Cabaret Series); The Sleeping Beauty Panto (Morpheus Theatre); The Dangerous Hour (Royal Princess Cruises). Instagram: @lathaliax

Thalia Altura

Karla/Lilia

Kathleen is an emerging Filipino-Canadian artist native to Calgary. She is finishing up the last years of her degrees in Drama and Education at the University of Calgary, and is excited to present her first work as an actor outside of the University with Jupiter Theatre. She is so happy to be involved in a project that is so close to her identity as a second generation Filipino immigrant in Calgary, and wants to give a huge shoutout to her mom, who she was greatly reminded of while working on this project. Love you mom!

Kathleen Ballangan

Jen

Maggie is a Calgary based theatre artist interested in the ways art builds community and connection. Since graduating from Rosebud School of the Arts Maggie has worked with Theatre Calgary, The Green Fools, Theatre BSMT, Birnton Theatricals and The Honest Collective. Maggie can be found searching for the best gluten-free food and getting excited over new blooms on her purple shamrock.

Maggie Mackenzie

Co-Writer

Kodie Rollan is Philippine-born, Scarborough-raised, Calgary-based playwright, dramaturg, actor, and producer. Kodie is passionate about telling stories that examine the socio-political environment of our world and is also rooted in the various communities he serves. His writing credits include: The Watchdog Society (2020 Tales from the Flipside Festival - Carlos Bulosan Theatre) Ya Burnt! (2019 IGNITE! Festival for Emerging Artists). He is currently the Artistic Associate of Chromatic Theatre and is a part of their IBPOC Playwright’s Unit.

Kodie Rollan
Co-Writer

Roel graduated from the Master Program at the Company of Rogues Actors' Studio. Previously, Roel worked as a professional hip hop dancer based out of Los Angeles and New York and performed with artists such as Christina Aguilera, Nelly Furtado, Fergie, and Prince. He was also recently seen in Theatre Calgary’s production of The Louder We Get. Huge thanks to his mom and dad whose sacrifices and unconditional love helped him realize that anything is possible and to his Grandma Estelita, Lola Rose, Lolo, and Tatay for having the courage to take that leap of faith and immigrate from the Philippines to the US.

Roel Suasin

Director