Listen to Your Titas
/
Tita Collective
They wanted to carve out space for their titas’ (aunts’) stories, so they named their group the Tita Collective. They introduced themselves officially as the Tita Collective on stage during the first performance of one of their shows, “Kwento.”
The collective has since become so much more. It’s now a space for women to be unapologetic about their Filipina identities. More importantly it’s a way to reconnect with their heritage and share their stories with others.
The collective was born in search of empowerment; as a response to their frustrations with patriarchal and capitalist systems and institutions that did not foster a safe, equitable space to create art. It was an act of resistance to systems that couldn’t even imagine a space where a group of Filipinas could thrive together. They wanted to bring their dreams to life, as long as they did it in a way that prioritized the wellbeing of each member first.
Tita Collective performing at the Next Stage Theatre Festival
Composed of award-winning playwrights, comedians, musicians, dancers, theatre makers, and actors, the Tita Collective explores different media to tell the stories of the Philippine diaspora. Alia Ceniza Rasul is an award-winning Filipina artist based in Toronto. She recently published her first collection of poetry, Super Important Filipina Thoughts, which was included in CBC’s “55 Poetry Collections to Read This Spring.”
Ann Paula Bautista is an actor, singer, and writer. A graduate of Randolph Academy’s College program and currently working on her master’s in Community Music at Wilfred Laurier, she has performed on stages all around Canada and the US.
Belinda Corpuz is a Filipina actor, singer, musician, creator, theatre producer, and educator based in Toronto, Treaty 13. Her debut EP, All I Am, received critically acclaimed reviews across Canada, including features on CBC Radio. She has sung on soundtracks for the feature film “The Witch” and Netflix’s “In the Tall Grass.”
Ellie Posadas, a Queer actor, sInger, and creator from Toronto, is a graduate of Randolph Academy’s Triple Threat College Program. Ellie was recently featured in the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival for the world premiere of “Scarborough” as “Edna,” based on the award-winning novel by Catherine Hernandez. She was a Vancouver Film Critics Circle nominee for Best Supporting Actress for the same film at the Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards 2021. Maricris Rivera is a creator, performer, producer, and educator. She co-produced “Short Dances” and has collaborated with many esteemed theatre and dance companies, including Gadfly, Rock Bottom Movement, and TOES FOR DANCE. As an administrator and producer, she has worked with different theatre companies, such as Soulpepper, Tarragon, and Shakespeare in the Ruff. She also plays with her band, Understudy, and is planning to release a solo EP.
Through theatre, comedy, music, and movement, the five women aspire to tell stories that thoughtfully honor and celebrate their roots and history, explore their identities as Filipinas, and represent the narratives of the Philippine diaspora in an inclusive and respectful way.
They also dare to tackle difficult subjects often not discussed within the Filipino community including queerness, sexism, and classism.
The Tita Collective has been performing to sold-out audiences pre-pandemic, including shows at Second City, and notable comedy fests like the Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival and the Toronto Fringe Festival.
Their award-winning musical comedy show “Tita Jokes” weaves together 16 vignettes about Filipinos, specifically their beloved titas. The show combines music, dance, and theatre and is a love letter to their female elders. “Tita Jokes” explores the struggle, heartache, and resiliency of Filipinas, and how they cope through humor, storytelling, and songs.
Another look at Tita Collective performing at the Next Stage Theatre Festival
Their success is not only evident in filled seats and raucous laughter, but also in awards they’ve received along the way. The Tita Collective has reaped several accolades including the 2019 Steamwhistle Producers’ Pick at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, Best Newcomer at the Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival, the Second City Outstanding New Comedy Award, and Patrons’ Pick at the 2019 Toronto Fringe Festival. They were also featured in Spotify Canada’s “Need Women” campaign for Women’s History Month.
They are gearing up for their biggest year yet this 2022. With COVID restrictions loosened, the Tita Collective headed back to the stage with new material for their first live show since the start of the pandemic, at the 2022 Forward March Festival in Toronto, last April. They presented their new work “Kwento,” which celebrates Philippine folklore. This latest work brings to life Philippine folkways unknown to Canadian youth. It weaves Philippine folk music, dance, and craftsmanship pursuant to the group’s mission of showcasing the diversity, complexity, and multiplicity of the Filipino culture.
And the Titas aren’t stopping there. With multiple shows planned throughout the year, the Tita Collective will continue to keep alive their heritage, something that can get lost along the way in the diaspora’s bid for self-reinvention.
