The Eagles Curse by
A Filipino-American poacher steals rare eagles for their feathers but meets his fate in the Philippines.
Robert Flor
Robert Flor
Robert Francis Flor, Ph.D is a Seattle native raised in the city’s Central Area and Rainier Valley.
Robert's plays largely take place in Seattle's Filipino community, informing his worldview and connectivity with American society. His first full-length play “Daniel’s Mood”, was a Studio Lab selection (2011) at Freehold Theatre. Scenes from “My Uncle’s Letters”, a full-length play were read...
Robert's plays largely take place in Seattle's Filipino community, informing his worldview and connectivity with American society. His first full-length play “Daniel’s Mood”, was a Studio Lab selection (2011) at Freehold Theatre. Scenes from “My Uncle’s Letters”, a full-length play were read...
Robert Francis Flor, Ph.D is a Seattle native raised in the city’s Central Area and Rainier Valley.
Robert's plays largely take place in Seattle's Filipino community, informing his worldview and connectivity with American society. His first full-length play “Daniel’s Mood”, was a Studio Lab selection (2011) at Freehold Theatre. Scenes from “My Uncle’s Letters”, a full-length play were read in the ACT Theatre Multicultural Playwrights Festival in 2014. “Pinoys Play Ball” a full-length play is in revision. “The Injury” (2013), “Pinoy Hill” (2014) and “Pinakbet” (2015) were performed in the Eclectic Theatre Festival. “Salamangka’s Barber Shop” a short play was read in the Seattle Playwrights'Showcase at Burien Actors Theatre in 2015. "Mabuhay Majesty" a full- length play was also produced at the Rainer Arts Center in 2017. He currently is working on several plays including Adamants and the Demons, Pinoys Play Ball, The Great Fil-Am Ube Baking Challenge, Salamanca Returns and Christmas Snow Globes.
Robert co-chairs Pinoy Words Expressed Kultura Art, a Filipino art organization. He is a member of the American Writers & Writing Programs, Academy of American Poets, Artist Trust, Theater for Puget Sound, Seattle Playwrights Studio and the Dramatist Guild of America.
Robert's plays largely take place in Seattle's Filipino community, informing his worldview and connectivity with American society. His first full-length play “Daniel’s Mood”, was a Studio Lab selection (2011) at Freehold Theatre. Scenes from “My Uncle’s Letters”, a full-length play were read in the ACT Theatre Multicultural Playwrights Festival in 2014. “Pinoys Play Ball” a full-length play is in revision. “The Injury” (2013), “Pinoy Hill” (2014) and “Pinakbet” (2015) were performed in the Eclectic Theatre Festival. “Salamangka’s Barber Shop” a short play was read in the Seattle Playwrights'Showcase at Burien Actors Theatre in 2015. "Mabuhay Majesty" a full- length play was also produced at the Rainer Arts Center in 2017. He currently is working on several plays including Adamants and the Demons, Pinoys Play Ball, The Great Fil-Am Ube Baking Challenge, Salamanca Returns and Christmas Snow Globes.
Robert co-chairs Pinoy Words Expressed Kultura Art, a Filipino art organization. He is a member of the American Writers & Writing Programs, Academy of American Poets, Artist Trust, Theater for Puget Sound, Seattle Playwrights Studio and the Dramatist Guild of America.
Plays
Pinoys Play Ball by Robert Flor
·Cast:7Genre: adventure, comedy + 4 more·Keyword: softball, Filipino American + 3 moreGenre: adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, period, romantic comedyKeyword: softball, Filipino American, romantic comedy, sports, mythA mythic tale about group of young Filipino Americans in Seattle form a softball team. They upgrade to become more competitive, resulting in conflicts as recruiting requires cutting friends. Brothers disagree about the team's goals and path to winning.The Great Fil-Am Baking Challenge by Robert Flor
·Cast:6Genre: comedy, drama + 5 more·Keyword: filipino, cooking + 3 moreGenre: comedy, drama, parody/spoof, period, political, romantic comedy, young audiencesKeyword: filipino, cooking, baking, genealogy, AncestryThree Filipino-American bakers compete in the Great Filipino-American Baking Challenge involving making a desserts including the purple yam popular in the Philippines.A Christmas Passing by Robert Flor
·Cast:3Genre: dark comedy, drama + 1 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, holidayIn this short four to five minute play, two sisters and a brother deal with the passing of their mother during the Christmas holidays.Christmas Snow Globes by Robert Flor
·Cast:4Genre: fantasy, holiday + 2 more·Keyword: christmas, romantic comedy + 2 moreGenre: fantasy, holiday, movement/physical, romantic comedyKeyword: christmas, romantic comedy, LGBTQ, comic fantasyAs Christmas nears, two snow globes are being set out for display. The one featuring an ice skating princess is dropped. The other with two men is stuck with frozen gears and foggy water. They think they are bound for the scrapheap and are dispondent about their futures.Reminisce by Robert Flor
·Cast:6Genre: comedy, musical + 4 more·Keyword: teens, doo-wop + 1 moreGenre: comedy, musical, period, radio drama, romantic comedy, young audiencesKeyword: teens, doo-wop, romantic comedyA shy, musically gifted, high school boy is interested in a girl but she has a boyfriend. He discovers his grandmother's .45 records from the '50s and '60s. Hoping to attract her, he forms a doowop singing group. The group performs in the school's talent program.The Teachers by Robert Flor
·Cast:3Genre: drama, period + 1 more·Keyword: education, multi-cultural + 2 moreGenre: drama, period, young audiencesKeyword: education, multi-cultural, Latino students, teachersA young Latina teacher learns about discipline from a more experienced teacher in a rapidly changing multicultural community.The Monkey and the Turtle by Robert Flor
·Cast:2Genre: fable/folktale, young audiencesGenre: fable/folktale, young audiencesA tropical storm forces a monkey and turtle to share a banana plant for survival. The monkey selfishly takes advantage of the turtle in this Filipino folktale.Carabao and the Turtle Race by Robert Flor
·Cast:6–12Genre: adaptation, fable/folktale + 2 moreGenre: adaptation, fable/folktale, fantasy, young audiencesA carabao and a turtle race to see who is faster after one of them rejects being a friend.Following Orders by Robert Flor
·Cast:6Genre: drama, periodGenre: drama, periodFollowing Orders takes us aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer escort in 1967-68 as it follows the exploits of David Fabela, an enlisted. He initially comes aboard as a Boatswains Mate with aspirations of serving as a Yeoman. He runs afoul of the Navy's practices but quickly adapts to the Navy's rules and regulations as they seem to infringe on his sense of responsibility.Salamangka Returns by Robert Flor
Recommendations: 1··Cast:7Genre: adventure, drama + 4 more·Keyword: Filipino American, mythologicalGenre: adventure, drama, fable/folktale, fantasy, period, science fictionKeyword: Filipino American, mythologicalGenea, Tony Salmangka's daughter, finds her musical career change from classical guitar to ethnomusicology. Amando, Tony's son, wishes to start a band but needs money for instruments. His girlfriend, Sirena expects to be the lead singer and his band to play contemporary disco music. Genea encourages Amando to include more indigenous sounds putting her at odds with Sirena. Tony holds the key as he...Genea, Tony Salmangka's daughter, finds her musical career change from classical guitar to ethnomusicology. Amando, Tony's son, wishes to start a band but needs money for instruments. His girlfriend, Sirena expects to be the lead singer and his band to play contemporary disco music. Genea encourages Amando to include more indigenous sounds putting her at odds with Sirena. Tony holds the key as he guides Genea by introducing her to Filipino musicians such as Carlos Malla. To achieve her goal, Genea must prove she's worthy of the family's healing tradition and recover a valuable heirloom.Salamangka's Barber Shop by Robert Flor
·Cast:4Genre: drama, fable/folktale + 2 more·Keyword: Filipino American, Magician + 1 moreGenre: drama, fable/folktale, period, science fictionKeyword: Filipino American, Magician, barbershopIn this short play, Ray Espejo, a young Filipino American visits Tony Salmangka, his Filipino barber, for advice during the late 1960s. His girlfriend has dumped him and he considers dropping out of college and moving to Canada. He's draft eligible during the Vietnam War. Ray also considers a career as a writer/poet instead of one in science or medicine as expected by his parents. Salmangka's...In this short play, Ray Espejo, a young Filipino American visits Tony Salmangka, his Filipino barber, for advice during the late 1960s. His girlfriend has dumped him and he considers dropping out of college and moving to Canada. He's draft eligible during the Vietnam War. Ray also considers a career as a writer/poet instead of one in science or medicine as expected by his parents. Salmangka's Barber Shop located in Seattle's Chinatown is no ordinary barbershop. It's magical. Tony, a babaylon or shaman, counsels Ray about life, introducing him to Filipino notables such as Carlos Bulosan, the poet and Bobby Balcena, the first Filipino major league baseball player.Pinakbet by Robert Flor
·Cast:4Genre: comedy, commedia dell'arte + 1 more·Keyword: Filipino American, early immigrantsGenre: comedy, commedia dell'arte, romantic comedyKeyword: Filipino American, early immigrantsPinakbet is a favorite stew from the Philippines. This 30 minute play takes place on the cusp of World War II and involves two young couples. Fernando, a Filipino immigrant college student lives with Lois, his White girlfriend who wants to get married. She's a great cook but primarily familiar with American meals. He misses his mom's traditional Filipino cooking and is bored by her meals. He...Pinakbet is a favorite stew from the Philippines. This 30 minute play takes place on the cusp of World War II and involves two young couples. Fernando, a Filipino immigrant college student lives with Lois, his White girlfriend who wants to get married. She's a great cook but primarily familiar with American meals. He misses his mom's traditional Filipino cooking and is bored by her meals. He's disillusioned with America and considers returning to the Philippines. Felicita, Lois's best friend, and her husband Pepe support her and hope Lois and Fernando marry. But, how can they overcome Fernando's longing for his cultural traditions?The Injury by Robert Flor
·Cast:3Genre: comedy·Keyword: Filipino American, softballGenre: comedyKeyword: Filipino American, softballThe Injury is a 10 minute comedy about Pinoy, a Filipino American softball team during the 1970. Pedro, the catcher is injured, attempting to block a baserunner from scoring. His teammates, Agui and Bagobo (Bags) argue about caring for him as he writhes in pain on the field. Their discussion enters a labyrinth of how and who will take him to the hospital, a potential girlfriend and who's car to use, all...The Injury is a 10 minute comedy about Pinoy, a Filipino American softball team during the 1970. Pedro, the catcher is injured, attempting to block a baserunner from scoring. His teammates, Agui and Bagobo (Bags) argue about caring for him as he writhes in pain on the field. Their discussion enters a labyrinth of how and who will take him to the hospital, a potential girlfriend and who's car to use, all while under the pressure to continue the game.Mabuhay Majesty by Robert Flor
·Cast:6Genre: drama, pageant + 2 more·Keyword: Filipino American, traditionGenre: drama, pageant, romantic comedy, young audiencesKeyword: Filipino American, traditionThe parents of two teen Filipino American girls, Reina and Marietta, in 1960's Seattle demand they enter the annual Filipino Community Queen Contest. These traditional and popular contests were held in communities as fundraisers to support their buildings. Girls represented their immigrant family's region or barrio in the Philippine. They were required to sell tickets and participated in the box...The parents of two teen Filipino American girls, Reina and Marietta, in 1960's Seattle demand they enter the annual Filipino Community Queen Contest. These traditional and popular contests were held in communities as fundraisers to support their buildings. Girls represented their immigrant family's region or barrio in the Philippine. They were required to sell tickets and participated in the box socials, chaperoned dances with men. The teena reject the tradition as humiliating. Reina's father demands absolute obedience from her in "her best interests".Pinoy Hill by Robert Flor
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: comedy, period + 1 more·Keyword: Picnic competition, Filipino tradition + 1 moreGenre: comedy, period, young audiencesKeyword: Picnic competition, Filipino tradition, teenagersFilipino families in Seattle gathered annually for the 4th of July celebration on the top of Seward Park. Families would compete for choice tables. Often, the father would arrive early in the morning bringing one of the sons or daughters assigned to guard a table under threat of losing some privilege such as their allowance. Pinoy Hill is the story of a widowed Auntie who competes with a young teen whose...Filipino families in Seattle gathered annually for the 4th of July celebration on the top of Seward Park. Families would compete for choice tables. Often, the father would arrive early in the morning bringing one of the sons or daughters assigned to guard a table under threat of losing some privilege such as their allowance. Pinoy Hill is the story of a widowed Auntie who competes with a young teen whose father has stationed him at the table she wants.Daniel's Mood by Robert Flor
·Cast:7–11Genre: drama, movement/physical + 3 more·Keyword: Filipino American, domestic violenceGenre: drama, movement/physical, period, political, tragedyKeyword: Filipino American, domestic violenceA social justice play, Maricela Barker, a Filipina immigrant and victim of domestic violence, and her young son, Agustin escape her violent husband Randy, and move to Seattle. She hopes to find help and a better life within her community. She takes work as a freelance journalist.Agustin blames her for the divorce and Maricela believes he is growing apart from her. She wants him to experience his Filipino...A social justice play, Maricela Barker, a Filipina immigrant and victim of domestic violence, and her young son, Agustin escape her violent husband Randy, and move to Seattle. She hopes to find help and a better life within her community. She takes work as a freelance journalist.Agustin blames her for the divorce and Maricela believes he is growing apart from her. She wants him to experience his Filipino culture. He resists.
They meet Daniel at the Filipino youth agency where he coaches basketball. Maricela allows Agustin to join the team. Agustin comes to admire and respect Daniel. Maricela fears that Agustin may follow the same path.
Daniel’s Mood explores the viciousness of domestic violence and displays its forms from verbal abuse to physical attacks and cultural destruction. It examines the influence of bias within the law enforcement and judicial systems.
Adama meets the Demons by Robert Flor
·Cast:7Genre: adventure, docudrama/historic + 9 more·Keyword: Filipino American, American society and politics + 6 moreGenre: adventure, docudrama/historic, drama, fable/folktale, fantasy, horror, movement/physical, mystery/thriller, period, political, science fictionKeyword: Filipino American, American society and politics, civil rights, Philippine mythology, Fantasy, horror, plague, virusSensing an opportunity to seize a liberal district, Sitan Helel, a powerful conservative State Senator, sends Senator Aswang Iblis to recruit Ben Adama to run for a vacated State Senate seat. Ben declares his interest but lacks the resources and financial capacity for a political campaign. Helel offers him substantial financial support and consultants. His skeptical friends and Ava, his wife, agree to support...Sensing an opportunity to seize a liberal district, Sitan Helel, a powerful conservative State Senator, sends Senator Aswang Iblis to recruit Ben Adama to run for a vacated State Senate seat. Ben declares his interest but lacks the resources and financial capacity for a political campaign. Helel offers him substantial financial support and consultants. His skeptical friends and Ava, his wife, agree to support him while he pursues his dream. Sitan dispatches Mara Hukluban, his attractive, intelligent, daughter, to the campaign. She and others are not what they seem.
Adama meets the Demons explores questions of good and evil, loyalty and the cost of ambition though the use of mythology and folklore, primarily Filipino in origin. Characters morph as shapeshifters between real and mythic worlds in this story pitting personal ambition and desire for political power against ideals, loyalty and family.
My Uncle's Letters by Robert Flor
·Cast:11Genre: drama, fable/folktale + 1 more·Keyword: Filipino American, 1930s immigrantGenre: drama, fable/folktale, periodKeyword: Filipino American, 1930s immigrantMy Uncle’s Letter’s follows Roberto Balmores, a Filipino immigrant in the 1930’s through his attempts to balance his personal life with his responsibilities to his family. It’s based on correspondence discovered in my Uncle Balatzar’s trunks on the death of my father. The protagonist, Roberto, a Filipino immigrant seeks his place in American society. He is torn between family responsibilities and finding...My Uncle’s Letter’s follows Roberto Balmores, a Filipino immigrant in the 1930’s through his attempts to balance his personal life with his responsibilities to his family. It’s based on correspondence discovered in my Uncle Balatzar’s trunks on the death of my father. The protagonist, Roberto, a Filipino immigrant seeks his place in American society. He is torn between family responsibilities and finding success in his new country.
Roberto hopes to find love and happiness with the “right woman.” His financial constriants and his outlook on life become his crutch. He cannot commit to a meaningful relationship. Against the advice of Ignacio, his lifelong compadre, Roberto behaves badly with women. The Sarimonok, the mythic rooster of the Philippines, visits his dreams, attempting to set him along a right path. What happens when Roberto meets Bliss, his actual true love? Her brother and his family strongly oppose their marriage.