The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) presents the world premiere of Metro Diaries, a compelling new theatrical production by 63Kolektib, on Saturday, June 21 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday, June 22 at 2:30pm in The Black Box. Commissioned by The Arts Center, the show marks the finale of their 10th anniversary season. Its themes strongly echo the UAE’s Year of Community.
Created by UAE-based Filipino theatre artists Trixie Danielle, Juan Gonzales, and Jomel Duran Reyes, Metro Diaries draws from the rhythms of everyday metro commutes to create a performance of layered meaning and wide emotional resonance. Through a blend of spoken word, dance, and live sound, the show captures fleeting encounters and personal journeys, reflecting the universal experiences of migrants navigating life in an adopted home.
Executive Artistic Director at The Arts Center at NYUAD Bill Bragin, commented:“I’ve been watching the work of 63Kolektib for several years, and three of the members have been part of our Numoo artist professional development program. This gave us a chance to get to know them personally as well as professionally and see how deeply committed they are to sharing the perspectives of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in the UAE with their community, and to the larger public. When Trixie Danielle presented the idea of Metro Diaries as part of Numoo, we were excited by the opportunity to help realise their vision at a higher production level than they could achieve on their own. The intimate, poetic, and timely piece speaks to the hopes and dreams of many who have come from different places to create a brighter future.. As the UAE celebrates the Year of Community, this world premiere is a meaningful way to close our 10th anniversary season.”
At its core, Metro Diaries is a vibrant exploration of loss, hope, resilience, and connection – themes that resonate widely across migrant communities in the UAE and beyond. While it foregrounds Filipino narratives, the performance speaks to anyone who has crossed borders in search of opportunity, connection, and a sense of belonging.
The production also features Rei Co, a 19-year-old professional dancer whose artistic journey began in Dubai. A member of Sima Dance Company with whom she has been featured several times at The Arts Center as a tween, Rei brings a powerful physical vocabulary to the stage, offering a deeply felt expression of hybrid identity and placemaking. Her presence reflects the growing influence of homegrown talent on the UAE’s cultural landscape.
Metro Diaries continues The Arts Center’s commitment to nurturing UAE-based creatives and amplifying grassroots stories through its Numoo development program. It culminates The Arts Center’s first decade of groundbreaking commissions and collaborations with locally rooted artists and collectives.
Listings information
Event: Metro Diaries by 63Kolektib
Date: Saturday, June 21 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday, June 22 at 2:30pm
Venue: The Black Box at The NYUAD Arts CenterVisit here for details and tickets
