Transcend: One-man performance of multimedia, cultural stories

In the dim light, a lone man presented his story of an assault against both inner and external demons.

Through a multimedia performance, Kilusan Bautista, writer and performer of “Transcend”, presented his struggles with racism, abuse and family substance addiction. This one-man show, “Transcend,” was held Oct. 27 at De Anza College in Conference rooms A and B.

“What made me want to be a performer, and also a teaching artist, is to represent my story in the way and fashion that only I can tell it,” said Bautista.

Through dance and spoken word, Bautista reenacted a powerful scene between his five-year old self, his drunken father and an anthropomorphic representation of drugs and vices.

“I want to connect with different cultures – different communities from all over the world – so that we can build a stronger and deeper sense of community amongst each other,” Bautista said. He engaged the audience through partner games, discussions and poetry; allowing the audience to reflect on their own lives and origins and to connect with their roots and identity. Audience members were encouraged to share their own thoughts and experiences.

Bautista said he wanted to be a performer and a teaching artist because he wanted to represent his story in the way and fashion that only he can tell it. “You have the opportunity to change the world with one story, one poem,” said Bautista.

Bautista considers himself an indie and theatre artist, and travels the world performing his one-man show with the help of other artists and directors; primarily performing in theatres located in the lower east side of Manhattan.
Bautista said he believes that when one creates art based off of their personal narrative, it brings everyone closer together.