Friday, Jun 13, 2025 at 7:00pm
Anak Ni Tapia: Leaving Mother
Solo Theatre · Broken Wall Initiative/CIRCA Pintig · Ages 14+ · 75 mins
In Anak ni Tapia: Leaving Mother, Lani T. Montreal embarks on a deeply personal and poignant journey through memory, identity, and reconciliation. This solo performance unpacks the complexities of her life as a queer Filipina immigrant, a daughter living in the shadow of a larger-than-life mother, and a woman discovering her own voice.
The story begins with the death of Lani’s mother, Mely Tagasa, a beloved Filipino actress and writer best known for her iconic role as “Miss Tapia” in a popular sitcom. As Lani reflects on their complicated relationship, she weaves through formative moments: her mother’s relentless dedication to her craft, their turbulent family dynamics, the scars of betrayal, and the sharp tensions between cultural expectations and personal identity.
Through vivid storytelling, humor, and heartfelt introspection, Lani revisits her journey from the Philippines to America, tracing her mother’s influence and her own evolution. The balikbayan box, a symbol of immigrant resilience and longing, becomes a poignant metaphor for the emotional baggage she carries—and ultimately seeks to unpack.
As Lani reconciles her mother’s contradictions a stern and passionate provider, a star whose shadow loomed large, and a woman who, despite her imperfections, loved deeply she discovers a way to honor her legacy while claiming her own identity.
Interspersed with music, cultural references, and audience participation, Anak ni Tapia: Leaving Mother is a powerful exploration of family, loss, and the enduring bonds between mother and child. It is a celebration of resilience, a reckoning with identity, and an invitation to embrace the beauty of imperfect love.
Location : Actors Company (Let Live Theater), 916 N.Formosa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
