We Won't Move: A Living Archive | Season 2 Episode 1
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Episode Notes
Season 2 returns with a conversation with Bindlestiff Studio, the country's first permanent, community based venue showcasing emerging Filipino American and Pilipino artists. Bindlestiff Artistic Director Aureen Almario and Managing Director Oliver Saria tells us the story of Bindlestiff's inception and journey, as well as how they have pivoted to directly supporting elders and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us for a rich conversation on how our creative homes become hubs for community resources and care.
This Week’s Guest
Originally opened in 1989, Bindlestiff Studio became the only permanent, community-based performing arts venue in the nation dedicated to showcasing emerging Filipino American and Pilipino artists. Bindlestiff Studio provides the often under-served Filipino American community access to diverse offerings in theatrical productions, music and film festivals, workshops in directing, production, acting, stand-up comedy, and writing, as well as a children and youth theater program.
Bindlestiff Studio cultivates artists who reflect and celebrate the diverse values, traditions, and histories of Pilipino and Filipino American cultures through bold artistic expression and community engagement.
Aureen Almario is an educator and artist. She teaches Asian American studies at Laney College and SFSU. Currently the artistic director of Bindlestiff Studio, where she trained in performing arts, playwriting, puppetry and comedy since 2004. The COVID-19 pandemic presented opportunities for virtual programming; developing Kwento Times Staged reading series, Stories High workshop and show, HOEVID-19, OK Ba Tayo?, and 500 Years of Resistance. As lead facilitator for the Restorative Theater Arts for Seniors program, she pivoted to direct services by coordinating grocery deliveries to seniors and vulnerable families. Bindlestiff’s reopening will feature Oliver Saria’s “Inay Dalisay’s World Famous Lechon” in April 2022 with Aureen as the director.
Oliver Saria is a San Francisco native, raised in Stockton, California. He has been the Managing Director of Bindlestiff Studio since 2015. A frequent writer/producer/performer at Bindlestiff, Oliver was part of the first wave of Pilipinx-American artists who began programming at Bindlestiff in the late 1990s. He is the original drummer for the indie-pop band, The Skyflakes, and he is a two-time recipient of an Individual Artist Commission from the San Francisco Arts Commission. His latest comedic play, “Inay Dalisay’s World Famous Lechon” explores Pilipinx foodways and how they can negatively impact the community’s health. It will have its world premiere at Bindlestiff in June.