An artistic exploration of migration, memory, and belonging will come to life this June with the debut of Metro Diaries, a unique performance by 63Kolektib, an all-Filipino artist-led collective. This innovative show will take the audience on a poignant journey through the experiences of Dubai’s diverse residents, using the city’s public transit system as a symbolic stage for untold stories.
Scheduled to be staged at The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi, on June 21 and 22, Metro Diaries is a tapestry of spoken word, dance, and soundscapes that captures the raw emotions of everyday commuters. Through this performance, the audience will witness the quiet struggles, fleeting moments of joy, and silent resilience of people who navigate the city’s bustling metro system.
A collective voice for the unheard
63Kolektib, known for its focus on migrant narratives and community-rooted art-making, brings together a team of passionate artists for this project. The creative force behind Metro Diaries includes:
- Juan Gonzales, director and co-founder, who draws inspiration from his own migration journey to shape the show’s emotional landscape.
- Rei Co, a talented dance artist raised in Dubai, whose movements capture the complex identity of being a second-generation migrant.
- Jomel Duran Reyes, a cultural producer whose works amplify Filipino literature and diaspora stories.
- Malavika Suresh, a spoken word artist and researcher, who explores themes of self-identity and interpersonal connections.
- Trixie Danielle, a multidisciplinary artist who delves into themes of migration, identity, and belonging through theatre, poetry, and storytelling.
Exploring stories beyond the stage
But Metro Diaries is not just a performance—it is a community initiative. Leading up to the show, 63Kolektib conducted free theatre and capability workshops for migrant communities, providing a safe space for participants to share their stories and explore creative expression.
“The metro mirrors life—sometimes you’re alone, sometimes you’re surrounded by strangers, all of us carrying a story, a memory, a dream,” said Trixie Danielle, one of the project’s co-creators. “In Metro Diaries, we pause the noise and listen—to each other, to ourselves.”
The challenges of sustaining an independent collective are ever-present. Funding, scheduling, and maintaining engagement among members remain constant hurdles. Yet, the passion of the artists drives them forward.
“As much as we want everyone to be doing this full-time, we are here abroad to work. Scheduling is a challenge, but we continue making rehearsals fun and meaningful,” Jomel Duran Reyes shared.
For Juan Gonzales, the strength of the collective lies in staying connected to its core values. “We honor each other in all aspects, guided by the Filipino value of pakikipag-kapwa—recognizing our shared humanity and upholding each other’s dignity,” he said.
The power of connection and resilience
Despite the challenges, 63Kolektib thrives through a network of support, including its engagement with The Arts Center’s Numoo Program, which has opened doors for the group. For Trixie Danielle, Numoo provided a sense of belonging among homegrown artists, while Jomel Duran Reyes found confidence in navigating the business side of art production.
“Numoo gave me the courage to step out as an artist and represent 63Kolektib,” Jomel explained. Juan added that it has expanded his network, providing valuable connections and a trusted brain trust for creative advice.
