Performances of “Magic Maids” Conceived, Choreographed, and Performed by Eisa Jocson (Philippines) and Venuri Perera (Sri Lanka) and Related Events

photo by Bernie Ng, courtesy of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore

The Japan Foundation and Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will cohost BIOTOPE, a three-year exchange program for people involved in the performing arts in Japan and ASEAN, from 2026 to 2028. As part of the program’s inaugural year, “Magic Maids” conceived, choreographed, and performed by Eisa Jocson and Venuri Perera will be presented at World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2026. Two workshops led by the artists will also be held as related events. In these workshops, the artists will introduce their respective creative approaches and thought processes. There will also be time for interactive learning through dialogue and an exchange of views with the participants. Interaction between artists and participants from different backgrounds is aimed at creating opportunities for the birth of new perspectives and creative inspiration.

Testimony told by bodies and resistance unleashed by brooms

Filipina Eisa Jocson and Sri Lankan Venuri Perera have drawn international acclaim for their work focusing on gender, labor, and violent nationalism. Both artists were born and raised in regions that send many care workers and domestic workers overseas, and they have collected the stories of these female workers, the echoes of which now haunt their bodies. As the repeated movement of sweeping makes the roles and silence imposed on women’s bodies visible, the broom transforms from a symbol of oppression into an instrument of resistance and solidarity. Rather than being bound by specific viewpoints or experiences, the form of resistance that arises from the artists’ ironic, humorous gestures and storytelling resonates with viewers by stimulating their physical senses.

Performance Information

Related Events

Workshop for Theatre Practitioners by Eisa Jocson and Venuri Perera

Based on research into Southeast Asian maids working overseas, “Magic Maids” has been performed worldwide, drawing huge acclaim. In this workshop, Eisa Jocson and Venuri Perera, the work’s creators and performers, will share how they developed the work and how it was received in each country. There will also be an opportunity to physically experience the art of “broomology,” which they invented for the work. Playwrights, directors, actors, producers, and others interested in Southeast Asian theater practices may find inspiration for their future activities.

Workshop for Magic Maids: Broomology 101

Sweep away stereotypes with a broom in hand! The familiar cleaning tool serves as a gateway to exploring the relationships between our bodies, imaginations, and collectivity in this two-hour workshop. The broom is used as a symbol linking the two contrasting archetypes of “Witch” and “Maid.” By sharing and repeating the actual movement of sweeping with a broom, participants will experience small changes in perception and fluctuations in their distance from others. While introducing the physical approach underlying Magic Maids, the two artists will also delve into their own creative backgrounds and ways of thinking.

• 【Official Website: World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2026】　https://festival-shizuoka.jp/en/program/magic-maids/
• *1　【Ticket/Reservation】　https://festival-shizuoka.jp/en/ticket/

Artist Profiles

Eisa Jocson（Philippines）

Venuri Perera (Sri Lanka)