Abstract:

This paper examines the dramaturgical strategies employed in Sa Gitna ng Digmaan ng mga Mahiwagang Nilalang laban sa Sangkatauhan, a play presented as part of the eco-theatre project Mga Anak ng Unos in the Philippines. Sa Gitna ng Digmaan's connection to eco-dramaturgy is rooted in Indigenous knowledge and practices, especially in how Filipinos perceive and experience mythologies both physically and emotionally, since the myths of the Philippine archipelago inspire the play. Myths and similar stories are filled with metaphors and meaning. They show how cultural communities and Indigenous Peoples have historically managed the complexities of the Earth. These stories are powerful because they resonate within a cultural context and are considered sacred by the societies in which they are told. The dramaturgical strategies aim to show the audience that the current global environmental crisis is a pressing call for collective, positive action, emphasizing the importance of engaging with Indigenous Peoples. The paper envisions an eco-dramaturgy where theatre practitioners shift from viewing Indigenous Peoples as subjects to thinking with them. This idea is based on the belief that Indigenous knowledge and practices also shape climate-disaster preparedness and response strategies, given Indigenous communities' close relationship with the environment.