It is my great honour to welcome you to Performance and the Environment.
Having been a theatre practitioner and researcher for several decades, the theme of this conference resonates strongly with my own practice. As performers, our work is constantly in conversation with our environment—whether in spatial, digital, social or ecological terms.
Sustainability and care are deeply woven into all we do at LASALLE. In a world marked by shifting ground, climate anxiety and economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we come together to harness our shared strengths. I am delighted that through the hybrid nature of this conference, we are able to welcome speakers and participants from across continents.
I wish you a very fruitful and fulfilling conference ahead.
Professor Steve Dixon
President
LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore
On behalf of the "I.L. Caragiale" National University of Theatre and Film in Bucharest (UNATC) I extend a warm welcome to all those joining us for this year’s edition of the Performance and the Environment conference. It is a distinct pleasure to be part of this rich transcontinental collaboration with LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore and the University of the Philippines Diliman.
At UNATC, we are deeply committed to fostering artistic practices that are both socially responsive and environmentally conscious. Our involvement in this conference reflects our belief that performance — whether in theatre, film, or emerging hybrid forms — holds extraordinary potential to shape ecological awareness and ignite dialogue across communities and borders.
Our faculty and students are excited to contribute to this shared platform, as we see these exchanges not simply as academic exercises, but as opportunities to rethink the very terms of how we live, imagine, and perform in relation to our environments.
I would like to thank our international partners for their dedication to this initiative, and for co-creating a space where experimentation, listening, and dialogue can thrive. And to all participants — whether joining us from Bucharest, Manila, or Singapore — I invite you to engage fully and openly. May the ideas sparked here continue to ripple far beyond the bounds of this program.
Dr Liviu Lucaci, Professor
Rector of UNATC Bucharest
Mabuhay!
Welcome to the vibrant and ever-evolving community of the University of the Philippines Diliman!
We are absolutely thrilled to have you join us in these series of student exchange and workshops. Get ready to be immersed in a rich tapestry of Filipino culture, a dynamic academic environment, and the warmth of our welcoming spirit. We hope your time here will be filled with insightful discoveries, meaningful connections with fellow students and faculty, and unforgettable experiences both within the university and outside of it.
As you embark on this exciting student exchange workshop, know that the entire UP Diliman and DSCTA community is here to support you. From navigating campus life to exploring the bustling city of Quezon City and beyond, we encourage you to embrace every opportunity for learning and growth. We are confident that your unique perspectives and experiences will be enriching for all, just as we hope your stay here will broaden your horizons and leave you with cherished memories.
Padayon and welcome to the University of the Philippines!
Mr Jonas Gabriel Garcia
Asst Prof Ma. Teresa S. Jamias
Asst Prof Maria Stella Rossa M. Lopez
Project Leaders (UPD) - Performance and Environment
Welcome all to our conference Performance and the Environment,
The challenges facing us today are immense, and at times, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Climate change is unfolding rapidly around us, and yet we continue to explore the world we live in through the arts. We don’t claim to make a big impact, but in our own way, we seek better ways of performing and engaging with the issues.
How do we make performance in greener ways?
What themes can we focus on to help our students and audiences understand what is happening?
How do we relate to different environments and create work in harmony with them?
How do we avoid accidental greenwash?
This is a global challenge. Three partners in different regions - LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, National University of Theatre and Film I.L Caragiale and University of the Philippines Diliman - have come together to begin understanding our options. We believe performance can make a small but meaningful difference—if we work together, listen, explore, and create. LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, continues to develop sustainable practices. We know there is still a long way to go, but this conference is meant to add heat to the fire.
We hope that everyone participating in the conference will inspire one another to generate new ideas and creative works that strengthen our shared commitment to sustainability.
Professor Leon Rubin
Dean of Performing Arts
Conference theme
The performing arts have long served as a platform to respond to, reflect on, and transform our relationship with the environment. This conference explores how dance, theatre, music, and interdisciplinary performances can illuminate ecological concerns and promote environmental awareness.
For instance, what role do site-specific performances in natural spaces play in raising consciousness about climate change? How can dance movements inspired by the flow and cycle of water reshape our perceptions of sustainability? Can storytelling and artistic interventions in public spaces engage communities in dialogues around water conservation or urban pollution?
We invite scholars and practitioners to share their research and creative projects that critically and creatively explore the dynamic intersection of performance and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, we seek to broaden the traditional understanding of "environment" to encompass a wide range of interpretations, including but not limited to:
Sustainability and Environmental Issues: The impact of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion on performance practices; eco-friendly initiatives in the performing arts.
Performance Sites and Site-Specific Considerations: The role of physical spaces in shaping performance; site-specific works and their relationship to the environment.
Placemaking and Artistic Citizenship: The ability of performance to create and transform public spaces; the role of artists in fostering environmental awareness and action.
Community and the Environment: The intersection of performance and community; the impact of social and cultural factors on environmental practices.
Online and Digital Environments: The influence of digital technologies on performance; virtual and hybrid environments.
Environment as Upbringing: The impact of nature and nurture on artistic development; the role of environmental factors in shaping performance practices.
Sub themes
Eco-Performance and Sustainability: Papers exploring sustainable practices in performance, including set design, costume, and lighting.
Performance and Place: Submissions that examine the relationship between performance and specific locations, such as urban spaces, natural environments, or historical sites.
Community Engagement and Environmental Action: Papers addressing the role of performance in fostering community engagement and environmental activism.
Digital Performance and the Environment: Submissions that explore the intersection of digital technologies and environmental issues, including virtual performances, online communities, and digital archives.
Other Interpretations of the Theme: We welcome proposals that explore other relevant aspects of the relationship between performance and “environment”.
Romina Boldasu
Vice-Rector for Research, Development, Innovation (2024)
Alexandru Berceanu
Vice-Rector for Research, Development, Innovation (2025)
Bogdana Darie
Dean, Theatre Faculty
Elena Belciu
Programs Coordinator, International Center for Research and Education in Innovative and Creative Technologies
Jonas Gabriel M. Garcia
Theatre Arts Undergraduate Program
Head - Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts
Issa Manalo Lopez
Artistic Director - Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas
Faculty - Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts
Tess Jamias
Managing Director - Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas
Faculty - Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts
Steering Committee: Dr. Romina Boldasu, Dr. Alexandru Berceanu, Dr. Bogdana Darie, Dr. Elena Belciu, Jonas Gabriel M. Garcia, Maria, Stella Rossa Manalo Lopez, Maria Teresa S. Jamias, Dr Nidya Shanthini Manokara (Co-Chairs), Dr James Félix (Co-Chairs)
Technical director: Mark Ryan
Technical Coordinator: Dayal Gian Singh
Technical Manager: Amirul Azmi
Technical Supervisor: Kevin Lau
Senior Technical Offers: Patrick Wong, Sayuthi Bin Jasmin, Muhammad Herman Bin Abdul Rahim
Highlight Videographer: Muhammad Hasyir
Lighting Crew: Darren Lim, Muhammad Amir Bin Hussein, Alvan Tan
Sound Crew: Lim Keyi, Aleston Lim Lee Peng, Patrick Pasaribu
Video Crew: Roger Ong, Jeslynn Ng, Ridley Woo
Production Crew: Brayden Kee, Lee Sujin, Soe Win Tun
Administrative Manager: Jasmine Ang
Production manager: Samzy Jo
Webpage design: Nidya Shanthini Manokara
Brochure design: Moises Gealogo
Design of Poster: Jonas Gabriel M. Garcia
Programme Committee: Timothy O’Dwyer, Matt Grey, Leon Rubin, James Félix (Chair), Nidya Shanthini Manokara, Patrick Olsen, Diego Celi, Nora Samosir, Maria Draghici, Alexandru Berceanu, Andreea Jicman, Bogdana Darie, Sir Anril Tiatco, Robert Deguzman
Student Exchange Workshops (Singapore): Leela Alaniz, Belinda Foo, Melissa Quek, Nora Samosir, Jeffrey Guyton, Nidya Shanthini Manokara (Chair), Terence Lau, Fairul Zahid, Alexandru Berceanu, Andreea-Diana Jicman, Alexandru Pavel
Student Exchange Workshops (Romania): Alvin Chiam, Dirk Stromberg, Bogdana Darie, Sabina Bălan, Andreea Lăcătuș, Teodora Velescu, David Marin, Ioana Rufu, Adelina Dobrea
Student Exchange Workshops (Philippines): Matthew Grey, Darren Moore, Ioana Barbu, Thomas Ciocşirescu, Popo Amascual, Roger Federico, Maria Stella Rossa Lopez, Maria Teresa Jamias, Robert Arlou De Guzman
Telematic Lab: Timothy O’Dwyer and Dirk Stromberg
Telematic Lab (Romania): Marina Hanganu, Iuliana Gherghescu, Stefan Damian
Technical assistance (Romania): Tanase Dumitru
Technical assistance (Thailand): Poumpak Charuprakorn
Student Team (Singapore): School of Dance & Theatre
Artist Liaison: Muhammad Aidil Bin Samri, Padolina Christine Mae Fundales, Kaja Maria Bornholdt
Welfare: Isabella Soh Jing Wen, Kok Enling, Lek Min Hui
Editorial: Chloe Chen Siyu, Lum Wing Chee, Mohamad Suffiyan Bin Mohamad, Tiara Soni
Website: Phua Yao Ting, Zhang Hui
Rapporteurs: Ahn Sunhee, Akhila Erin Harding, Christabel Elizabeth Tanojo, Chung Yoonseo, Clarice Chan Ying Yin, Denoga Ines Estela Aguado, Farah D/O Haja Nazemuddeen, Jasmine Ashley Francisco V, Leong Wei Ling, Naamsi Jeslani, Neo Jia Xuan Mandy, Nur Farhanah Binte Mohamed Azlee, Prishaa Yarthini, Qi, Yashi, Soh Yu Qing, Zaini Bin Hassan