Prof. Anton Juan, Chongqing-based artists open portals to creative expressions
(First row, L-R) Prof. Anton M. Juan discusses memory and transformation as fundamental to artistic creation. He guides the participants in an exercise to create a monologue from forgotten objects. (Second row, L-R) The participants share their monologues and exchange ideas on their creative process. Prof. Juan (center) was joined by Consul General Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo (2nd from right, front row) and other participants in a photo after the program.
Chongqing, 05 August 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing hosted today an art salon entitled “Memory and Transformation: Portals to Artistic Creation” at the Sunday Café in Jiefangbei, Yuzhong District, featuring the multi-awarded Filipino artist, Professor Anton M. Juan.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo appreciated the intellectual substance that Professor Juan brings to Chongqing from his deep experiences as a theatre and film director, actor, choreographer, playwright and writer. “As Professor Juan explores China, he is also generously journeying with us to a sometimes-distant place called ourself. The Philippine Consulate General is proud to share an exceptional Filipino talent with you today,” she said.
Attended by a select group of Chongqing-based artists, the event was likened to a master class where Professor Juan guided the participants as they took a deep dive into their personal memories for a forgotten object. By willing the object to speak to them, each participant produced a monologue that reconnected their self to a significant past. “Without memory, there can be no moving forward, no change or transformation,” Professor Juan explained. He explored this proposition in open conversation with the participating artists and through a powerful short film by one of his university students.
Professor Juan is a tenured full-time professor and theater director at the University of Notre Dame du Lac in the United States of America. A champion of social justice, he is a mentor to many emergent directors, actors and playwrights around the world. According to his bio-sketch, Professor Juan’s “visually poetic and expressive metaphorical style of theatre and film has certainly created an impact on his audiences” and students. His more recent accolades and awards include the Best Director and Best Film Award from the Chandler International Film Festival, the Toronto International Diversity Festival and the Notre Dame Institute for Social Concerns John Ganey Award for Social Engagement. END