Urban Ink’s “Homecoming” explores diaspora and displacement

by V. S. Wells on April 5th, 2024 at 3:23 PM

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The world premieres at The Cultch’s Femme Fest don’t stop coming.

Homecoming, written by first-generation Filipinx-Canadian playwright Kamila Sediego, explores the interconnected themes of cultural identity, familial duty, and intergenerational displacement.

“I was 24 when I started Homecoming,” Sediego says in a statement. The initial idea “sprung from an ache to connect, a yearning to find my path.”

Produced by Urban Ink—whose trilingual 2018 musical Les Filles du Roi was adapted for film last year—the story follows Ana, a first-generation Filipino-Canadian whose mother won’t open up. She seeks answers from her estranged aunt from the Philippines and finds herself grappling with a world of difficult questions.

Starring Rhea Casido (Totally Normal) as Ana, the cast also includes Lissa Neptuno (Peacemaker, Virgin River), Carmela Sison (The Mysterious Benedict Society), and Aura Carcueva (12 Monkeys), with Lisa Goebel (Les Filles du Roi) as an understudy.

The production is directed by Hazel Venzon, who’s previously led productions like Bad Parent at the Historic Theatre and experimental immersive experience Haircuts By Children.

“With an incredible story to tell,” adds Corey Payette, artistic director of Urban Ink, “Kamila’s unique voice as a playwright is one that will feel familiar, refreshing, and leave you ultimately, changed.”