EMBODIED CONFLICTS
A production by Arjay Madrid
📆 April 8, 2026, 6:00PM
📍 6th Floor, Black Box, Design + Arts Campus, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Manila
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What is “EMBODIED CONFLICTS"?
Embodied Conflicts is an intimate dive into inner battles—fear, doubt, identity, and contradiction—unfolding through raw, vulnerable movement. What begins in everyday bodies and real environments is brought onto the stage, listening to the body and giving form to what is often left unspoken.
This is part of Arjay's partial fulfillment of the ETEEAP - Bachelor of Performing Arts, Major in Dance at De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.
Show Rules, Regulations, and Protocols
No eating & drinking inside the venue.
No smoking/vaping inside the venue.
In case of emergencies, please take a moment to locate your nearest emergency exit. Our ushers will guide you to the nearest emergency exit.
Please turn your mobile phones to silent mode and turn off all electronic devices as this may disrupt your fellow audience members and the performers.
Taking short video clips and photos is allowed. No flash photography.
Please ensure not to disturb other audience members when taking photos and videos.
Don't forget to give your feedback and evaluation. There will be QR codes available to scan at the exit after the show.
FLOW OF PROGRAM
There will be a 10 Minute break/interval between Act 1 and Act 2.
Prologue: Shadows of Tradition
The prologue establishes the foundation of the work by presenting the strong influence of family, cultural traditions, and societal expectations on personal identity. From an early age, individuals are taught how to behave, speak, and exist within accepted norms. These expectations, often rooted in love, religion, and community values, can also create limitations. This section highlights the formation of a “presented self” shaped by external pressures, while a more authentic self remains unexpressed beneath the surface.
Act I: Fractured Silence
This act delves into the internal conflict that arises when personal identity begins to surface. It captures the experience of questioning oneself while carrying feelings of shame, fear, and uncertainty. The silence that once maintained harmony starts to break, revealing inner tension and emotional struggle. The individual becomes caught between what is expected and what is felt, leading to confusion and self-doubt. This section emphasizes the psychological and emotional weight of navigating identity in an environment that may not fully accept it.
Act II: Unravel
Act II represents a turning point in the journey, where suppressed thoughts and emotions begin to unfold. The individual starts to confront their truth, engaging in internal reflection and, eventually, external expression. This process involves vulnerability, as revealing one’s identity can bring both relief and risk. The act highlights moments of courage—however small—as well as uncertainty, as not all answers are clear. It emphasizes that self-discovery is not immediate but develops gradually through questioning, dialogue, and personal reflection.
Act III: Between Worlds
The final act portrays the ongoing process of integrating personal identity with existing cultural and familial ties. Rather than presenting a complete resolution, it reflects the reality that acceptance is often complex and continuous. The individual learns to navigate moments of tension, understanding, and compromise while maintaining their sense of self. This section emphasizes coexistence—acknowledging both personal truth and the influence of one’s background. It concludes with the idea that identity is not fixed, but continually shaped through lived experience and negotiation.
Please stay after the show. There will be a short talkback and Q&A session with Arjay Madrid, the visionary behind embodied conflicts.
Cast & Choreographers
Arjay Madrid
Miguel Revina
Jose Martin Dizon
John Rey Rivera
James Carl Espanto
Ivan Carullo
Warren Mendoza
Kyle Delfin
Crew
Producer
- Jude Salvador Buelva
Director
- Arjay John Madrid
Music Directors
- Miguel Revina
- Arjay Madrid
Front of House, Lights & Tech
- Students from Bachelor of Performing Arts, Major in Dance - De La Salle - College of St. Benilde / Ben-X-Dance
Stage Managers
- Jude Salvador Buelva
- Jessa Micah Hidalgo
- Tiara Bernardo
- CJ Son
Spinner
- Edrian James Barnedo
Photographers & Videographers
- Ronmark Acero
- Luisa Barreda
- Jaira De Guzman
Marketing & Promotions
- Jude Salvador Buelva
- Jason Badong
- Luisa Barreda
- Jerico Aglugub
- Aldwin Chia
Costume Design
- Yjay Sadol
- Tiara Bernardo
Graphics & Video Promotions
- Edrian James Barnedo
- Luisa Barreda
Sponsors & Partners
hyp.ed
Cloud Coffee
Foot Forward
Chilldren Apparel Co.
Atty. Fe Rosario P. Buelva
Anita Papa
Nick San Jose
Special thanks to:
Family
- Aunt: Anita Papa
- Mother: Yolanda Madrid
- Father: Augusto Madrid
- Brother: Arvin Jay Madrid
DLS - CSB Journey
- Mycs Villoso
- Nina Anonas-De Santos
- Melbourne Piccio
- Jhazmin Sevilla
ARJAY MADRID
A seasoned Bicolano professional dancer. He is the Co-Founder, Executive Director, and Head Choreographer of Foot Forward. He is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of hyp.ed. Arjay is a consistent titleholder and top placer in various dance competitions in Bicol, the Philippines, and world. He is also finishing his Bachelor in Performing Arts, Major in Dance at the De La Salle - College of St. Benilde.
One of the notable achievements of his team, Foot Forward, was representing the Philippines and winning the Championship Title in the Small Crew Category of the Dance Supremacy International 2024 World Finals in Tokyo, Japan.
Email: arjaymdrd@gmail.com
Foot Forward
Established in 2018 aimed to connect artists and form a deeper appreciation of the art of dance.
Based in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol, Philippines, Foot Forward is a premier dance collective that masterfully fuses technical precision with the vibrant energy of Bicolano street culture, serving as a creative powerhouse that elevates regional talent through high-caliber performance and community-driven mentorship.
Since 2023, Foot Forward has consistently ranked as one of the top teams in various dance competitions in the Philippines and the world such as Dance Supremacy, World of Dance Philippines, and many more.
Email: footforwardofficial@gmail.com