Threat to Bai Bibyaon

By Marili Fernandez-Ilagan

(A Monologue of an Indigenous Ata-Manobo in a Time of Repression

Based on a true story, August 2002, Bukidnon)

“Banta kay Bai Bibyaon (Threat to Bai Bibyaon)” is about a woman leader of an indigenous tribe in Mindanao, Philippines, who finds herself in the wanted list of the military (known as the OB or Order of Battle), the reason being that she stood up for her tribe against the forces that has long exploited, suppressed and dehumanized the people. In this piece, Bai Bibyaon dramatizes the stirring character that has made her an exemplar among her tribe and womanhood in a country in turmoil.

Performed as first part of Island Vignettes by Marili Fernandez-Ilagan & Dessa Quesada-Palm on November 2006 at Teater Studio Taman Isamil Marzuki, Jakarta, Indonesia for the 7th International Women Playwrights Conference