University of Guam theatre seniors and local artists take the stage, inspiring action

University Of Guam (UOG) theater students and local artists are breaking the fourth wall, inspiring action through the arts in a senior showcase.

It's a final stand on stage before graduation for theater seniors Uwel Mendiola and Xavier Borja.

“It's a huge call to action to all of the people of Guam. It deals with a lot of current events, a lot of social issues that we face on the daily as peoples of queer identities here on Guam,” said Mendiola.

Mendiola is directing and bringing to life the dramatic poem “To Hånom-Måmi, I Nanå’-Ta” by Dr. Evelyn Flores, a local author and English and CHamoru Studies professor at UOG.

“My show is basically a love letter from the ancient people of Guam to the waters around our island. So it's basically our ancestors' way of explaining how devastated they are from all of the pollution and all of the effects our island goes through,” the student-director shared.

“To Hånom-Måmi, I Nanå’-Ta” is paired with “Buried Beneath: Bombs & Latte” by Dakota Camacho, a Pacific hip hop artist, poet and advocate.

Both plays speak to environmental justice, sovereignty, militarization and–Borja adds–representation.

Borja stars as the lead role, playing Camacho.

“It talks a little bit about him coming out, his queer identity and also reconnecting to his CHamoru culture as he is also of the diaspora,” he said.

While the cast and crew were unsure if they would be able to pull off such a new and experimental play, he shared seeing it come together throughout rehearsals has them excited to see what the audience will take away from their performance.

“Being able to incorporate and put ourselves on stage as our own representation on the island is something I find really beautiful. I'm hoping this inspires people to follow suit,” Borja said.

You can catch these rousing performances from Thursday to Saturday, March 7 through 9 at 7 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is cash only at the door.