Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, Jeannie Barroga’s new play, BANYAN, is a modern Pilipino interpretation of the classic tale. BANYAN incorporates Pilipino fantasy and folklore into its story. Instead of using witches, BANYAN utilizes the Pilipino obsession with the much-feared aswang, or soul-sucking spirit.
Ona, a Pilipino American woman in her 30s, stars as the “Dorothy” of this tale. Feeling lost in her life in America, she searches for a true feeling of “home” by going on a vacation to her cultural homeland, the Philippines.
During the protagonist Ona’s “dream vacation,” she embarks on an allegorical adventure that incorporates the aswang tales, romance, intrigue and “symbolic” terrorism. Her Oz is located inside the trunk of the tropical Banyan tree, a traditional symbol for fecundity and spiritual power.
DETAILS: Opening night, Nov. 4.; through Nov. 20, Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; Asian American Theater Company,(800)838-3006, www.asianamericantheater.org.