BEYOND THE ORDINARY: IPAG’s Kamulo—A Reimagined Performance


by Michel Angelique Ferolino


Art is often seen as something confined within frames—visuals hung on walls, performances staged within a set space. But on the opening night of their 47th Theater Season, the MSU-IIT Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) shattered these boundaries with their immersive performance, “Kamulo.” Held on August 27, 2024, in the SET Hallway, the evening wasn't just about performing within frames—it was about breaking free from them. As the rain poured down outside, IPAG’s artists stepped beyond the conventional limits of their craft, reframing the way we experience art.


The performance of Kamulo vividly brought the concept of reframing art to life. It was a bold statement, showcasing the guild's commitment that pays homage to tradition while embracing change. Jan Pagarigan, the director for the concept and scenario, shared how this season represents a shift in direction for IPAG, marking a new chapter in their artistic journey.


“This season with the new direction, I’m an artist, and I am also a designer at MSU-IIT. But what I’m really proud of is that I love the arts, and I love collaboration,” he explained. He described how Kamulo was a devised performance, the result of collective efforts between choreographers and supervising directors. “The concept was mine, but I was told to create an exhibit, and I didn’t want to bring just a normal exhibit—because of course, this is IPAG, and we don’t do normal,” he added.


This season, Pagarigan emphasized about reframing IPAG itself. “Art cannot be contained within the frame... but then amo siya gi reframe. It’s gonna be a reframing of IPAG with the new artistic directors. It’s gonna be a reframing of MSU-IIT Integrated Performing Arts Guild,” he said. The "In The Frames" exhibit that accompanied the performance reflected this philosophy by blending visual, aural, and spatial elements, creating an interactive experience that honored IPAG’s past while forging a path toward a future of public and accessible art.


Despite the drizzle, a burst of resilience and dedication showered the performance. Joshua Villacruz, a fourth-year BET Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Technology student from the College of Engineering, shared his thoughts on performing for such a large crowd for the first time. “First of all, I would like to thank sa mga ni anhi diri nga nag watch sa among show. Of course sa akoa, first time nako nag perform ani ka daghan na crowd. Excited siya but kulba. Naa pud ang ulan, pero at least gapadayon gihapon ang show,” he said. Joshua also expressed gratitude to the team behind the show, adding, “We would also like to thank among choreographers, directors, also sa among instrumentalists kay without sa ilaha tanan kay dili mi maka perform ani karon diri.”


The night proved that even rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of IPAG’s performers or their commitment to artistic innovation. The collaborative nature of the performance, along with the guild's dedication to pushing boundaries, was on full display. "Kamulo" was more than just a season opener—it marked the beginning of a bold journey in reframing not only their art but also the way audiences experience it.


Continuing through its 47th Theater Season, IPAG’s upcoming performances will delve deeper into this process of reframing through dialogues, music, and cultural vignettes. The performers didn’t merely entertain; they redefined what it means to perform by embracing risks, collaborating across disciplines, and welcoming unpredictability. Moving forward, each performance will serve as an invitation to see the world anew—proof that when art is reframed, it has the power to transcend boundaries and leave a lasting impact that resonates far beyond the final bow.

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