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The following reports were crafted during the devising phase of the production's creation. While these reports were pertinent at the time for shaping the characters and the world depicted in the play, it is important to note that some of the themes highlighted in the research reports may not prominently feature in the current production.

Iman

Developed by Gill Brook

The imprisonment and death of 21 year old Mahsa Amini was the final straw that triggered the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement. What is the relation between this movement and the government? How is this movement viewed globally?

Orignal Question: How is the issue of censorship prevalent in Iran, and how does this affect the way activists and such are able to communicate and resist the government’s oppressive regime?

Central Purpose of Research: “In this Research Report I provide my findings based on specific elements from Iman original research request. To support my findings are references that include: “‘Hair for Freedom’ Movement in Iran: Interreligious Dialogue in Social Media Activism?”,“Woman, Life, Freedom in Iran.”, and “Suppression of Academics and School Training in Iran during the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ Revolution.” as well as supplementary research. This research is important because it will offer insight toward the development of the Women, Life, Freedom Movement as well as the government's response to said movement.

Main Concepts:

Women, Life, Freedom movement,
What led to this movement

Key words:

Religion
Hair
Social media
Women
Censor
Censorship
Freedom
Anti Government

Definitions and etymologies:

Censor:

“An official in some countries whose duty it is to inspect all books, journals, dramatic pieces, etc., before publication, to secure that they shall contain nothing immoral, heretical, or offensive to the government. More explicitly dramatic censor, film censor.” (Censor) “
Latin censor, < censēre: see cense” (Censor)

Freedom:

”The state or fact of being free from servitude, constraint, inhibition, etc.; liberty.” (Freedom)
“Cognate with or formed similarly to Old Frisian frīdōm (West Frisian frijdom), Middle Dutch vrīdoem, vrīdom (Dutch vrijdom, vrijdoom, now rare and archaic), Middle Low German vrīdōm, Old High German frītuom (Middle High German vrītuom) < the Germanic base of free adj. + the Germanic base of ‑dom suffix. Compare also Old Frisian frīhēd (West Frisian frijheid), Middle Dutch vrīheid (Dutch vrijheid), Middle Low German vrīhēt, vrīheit (> Old Swedish frihet (Swedish frihet)), Old High German frīheit (Middle High German vrīheit, German Freiheit), and the Germanic forms cited at frels v. Compare freeness n., liberty n.1” (Freedom)

Research Process:

Challenges:

Narrowing down my research to focus on one topic
The amount of time I had to collect information

Breakthroughs:

Through my research I have gathered some information about women, life, Freedom movement in Iran. I also was able to dive more into depth into the elements that led to the protest and what came afterwards.

Central Findings:

“Despite the sheer violence of the state-sanctioned crack downs against them, universities have been at the forefront of the revolutionary movement in Iran, and have continuously organized sit-ins on campuses. A shocking number of professors and students have been both fired and suspended for merely expressing solidarity with demonstrators, let alone actively demonstrating with them.” (Shojaei 496)

At the time of this article A shocking amount of students and professors have been suspended and fired in relation to these protests. This does not seem to have an impact on their efforts or determination. Especially considering the fact that the government has targeted females, specifically through their education. There have been occasions where girls would be gassed in their classrooms because of their schools involvement in the protest. As the education system separates students by gender it is easier for girls to be targeted by the government's harsh regime without risk of harming males.

“this election shifted from being ‘engineered’ to being a mere facade for direct appointment.” (Rouhi 192)

In 2021 Ebrahim Raisi was basically hand picked to win the election as any . This frustrated and disappointed many Iranians as in 1988 he was responsible for the mass executions of political prisoners. This led to the lowest voter turnout since the Revolution in 1979. “Frustrated and disappointed, more than half of Iranian voters stayed home and another 3.7 million cast blank ballots” (Rouhi 192). Unfortunately this form of protest had no effect and Ebrhim Raisi won the election regardless of their efforts. Once in office he would put in place the system of the modesty police which is a corrupt system bent on oppressing women.

“On 16 September 2022, Masha Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian, was intercepted by the Morality Police in Tehran for not wearing the hijab properly. That same day, she died under custody due to an unknown situation at the police station. Activists and family members, among other independent voices, accused the police of a brutal approach that caused Amini’s death.” (Navarro 1)

Amini’s Death was the final straw that led to the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement and led to a global stand of people in support of the movement. Many people were cutting their hair in consolidarity with the cause. This was also a way to share the message globally for those who are unable to share their story as the government continues to increase censorship of the media. The courage it takes to fight and protest is unmeasurable as the consequences of these protests are often disabling or deadly. Those who are lucky to be alive are often silenced and imprisoned for raising their voice. Unfortunately just like many causes globally, social media and news sources have slowly decreased their coverages for the cause even though the battle is still being fought. It was only this past January that some of the reporters covering the movement had been released from prison on bail. These reporters are still pending appeals and all because they covered what happened to Amini.

Outcomes:

The control over how women present themselves is heavily monitored and controlled by the Iranian government. How does Modesty or lack thereof come into play with your character? How much control might your character have?

Work cited:

Bauzon, Kenneth E. “Social Knowledge and the Legitimation of the State: The Philippine Experience in Historical Perspective.” Political Communication, vol. 9, no. 3, 1992, pp. 173–89, https://doi.org/10.1080/10584609.1992.9962943.

“Datuk, N., Etymology.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, July 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/1036674183.

Lamudi, et al. “Historic: 35 of the Most Beautiful Old Churches in the Philippines.” Lamudi, 24 June 2021, www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/most-beautiful-churches-philippines/.

Ortiz, Will P. “Fictionalized History in the Philippines: Five Narratives of Collective Amnesia.” Children’s Literature in Education, vol. 39, no. 4, 2008, pp. 269–80, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-008-9071-y.

Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. “catholic (adj. & n.), Etymology,” September 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/7963572493.

Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. “hierarchy (n.), Etymology,” September 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/6957684698.

“Philippines Map and Satellite Image.” Geology, geology.com/world/philippines-satellite-image.shtml. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.

Tamayo, Jose Antonio Lorenzo L. “SAYAW NG BATI: A PERSPECTIVE ON TRANSCULTURATION OF THE SPANISH COLONIAL HERITAGE IN THE SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION OF THE PHILIPPINES.” Különleges Bánásmód, vol. 9, no. 1, 2023, pp. 173–88, https://doi.org/10.18458/KB.2023.1.173.

References:

Books

Rizal, Jose. The Social Cancer, www.gutenberg.org/files/6737/6737-h/6737-h.htm. Accessed 9 Feb. 2024.

News Articles

“120 Years after Philippine Independence from Spain, Hispanic Influence Remains.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 1 Oct. 2018, www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/120-years-after-philippine-independence-spain-hispanic-influence-remains-n912916.

Videos

“Colonization of the Philippines - Explained in 11 Minutes.” YouTube, YouTube, 25 Jan. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAZIdaj_Vdc&list=WL&index=51.

“Philippine Spanish Colonial Period Part 1 | Philippine History.” YouTube, YouTube, 24 Aug. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP599d-Fq8I&list=WL&index=50.

“Pre-Colonial and Spanish Colonial Periods| Philippine Literature.” YouTube, YouTube, 13 Sept. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf903AfV0Os&list=WL&index=52.

“Why the Philippine Revolution Failed Successfully (1896-1898) | Philippine History.” YouTube, YouTube, 26 Feb. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx-IPDlxblw&list=WL&index=53.

Nikki

Developed by Alex Brown

What are the ideas proposed in ‘Reborn’ and ‘Let Us Believe in the Beginning of a Cold Season’ that can be used in the show?

Original Question: How did Forough Farrokhzad use symbolism and metaphor in her work to convey deeper meanings?

Central Purpose of Research: In this Research Report I provide my findings based on specific elements from Nika's original research request. To support my findings are references that include several of Farrokhzad’s poems, essays analysing her work as well as supplementary research. This research is important because it will offer insight toward the development of recurring themes in her poems that can be relevant to the show, how they can be related to Immolation.

Main Concepts:

Analysis of a few poems and how they can be relevant in the play.
How they correlate with the idea of immolation
Idea of rebirth, relevant symbols

Key words:

Immolation
Relevant
Rebirth
Patriarchy

Definitions and etymologies:

Immolation:

Definition – The act of killing yourself or someone else, or of destroying something, usually by burning.
Etymology - early 15c., "a sacrificing, sacrificial killing" (originally especially with reference to Christ), from Old French immolacion "offering, sacrifice" (13c.) or directly from Latin immolationem (nominative immolatio) "a sacrificing," noun of action from past participle stem of immolare "to sacrifice"

Relevance:

Definition – “A relation to the matter at hand” (Merriam-Webster)
Etymology - "to the purpose, applicable, pertinent to the matter at hand," 1550s, from French relevant "depending upon," originally "helpful," from Medieval Latin relevantem (nominative relevans), from stem of Latin relevare "to lessen, lighten," hence "to help, assist; comfort, console". Not generally used until after 1800.

Patriarchy:

Etymology - 1560s, "ecclesiastical province under a patriarch; church government by patriarchs," from Latinized form of Greek patriarkhia, from patriarkhēs "male chief or head of a family”. Meaning "system of society or government by fathers or elder males of the community" is recorded from 1630s

Rebirth:

Etymology - 1812, "reincarnation, repeated birth into temporal existence;" 1833, "renewed life or activity, reanimation, regeneration," from re- "back, again" + birth (n.).

Research Process:

It took me longer than it should have to focus on doing the research, but I started by trying to get the basics of the character and read a few of Forough’s poems just to familiarise myself with some of her work.

Even though I was delayed in getting started on the work, and it took me a session or two to get a handle on the research, once I had got more specific with what I wanted to investigate, I was able to find a lot of helpful information quickly. There are various essays that analyse Forough’s work, but it was tricky to find specifics that could be used in this report, as well as established sources in English. Some of the essays I found were all in Forough’s native language.

Central Findings:

Reborn’ ,or ‘Another Birth’ outlines the complexities of life, describing the emotional and possibly spiritual journey of the writer. We are captivated from the beginning verse, which is as follows:

My whole being is a dark chant

That will carry you perpetuating you

To the dawn of eternal growths and blossoming’s

In this chant I sighed you, oh

In this chant

I grafted you to the tree, to the water, to the fire. (Zubizarreta, P. 5, 1992)

Zubizarreta notes this development of character and considers it to be “as close as the poet every came to complete harmony with her inner compulsions toward personal, social, and artistic freedom’. The ‘Another Birth’ collection, released in 1964, has “Farrokhzad’s personal, social, and artistic rebirth” as the focus, acting as a representation of the change in the poet.

At the heart of several of Farrokhzad’s poems, from ‘The Captive’ to ‘Let Us Believe in the beginning of the Cold Season’ is a discussion on patriarchy. In her time, it was seen as controversial to write about the oppression of women in her society.

“Farrokzhad criticizes Iranian male dominant society in which women are marginalised and haven’t any voice in the society, so they seek a voice and identity in modern literature, especially in modern Persian poetry” (Mahmoudibaha & Baghfalaki, 2014)

There is a passage that represents this in Let Us Believe in the Cold Season:

Hollow human

Hollow, trusting human.

Look at his teeth singing as they chew,

And his eyes devouring as they stare

This passage gives us intense imagery, giving us some understanding of the hardships women like Farrokhzad face in “These hollow men are in the center of power, enjoying their happy savage life in a society formed by male domination, where there is no place for women and they are treated as objects” (Raoufzadeh, et.al)

Another verse, from ‘The Captive’ also serves as a representation of the patriarchy Farrokhzad and others experienced

From behind the cold and dark bars

I am thinking that in a moment of neglect

I might fly from this silent prison,

Laugh in the eyes of the man who is my jailer.

And beside you begin life anew.

Here, the poet demonstrates the want to change her life for the better, she does not want this feeling of being trapped to last.

One common symbol that is used in both The Captive, and other poems, is the comparison of the poet to a bird.

I, in this corner of the cage,

Am a captive bird.

They serve an image of freedom, and even fictious birds such as the Phoenix are used as a symbol of purity, of rebirth. Which is something that Farrokhzad sought to portray in her work, she is fighting for those that did not have a voice and had her work constantly changing. While her message stayed the same, you saw her poetry adapt as she grew more confident in her work and the world started to recognize her.

Outcomes:

In keeping with the theme of immolation and breaking down barriers to make change in society, there could be a strength, confidence portrayed in the body language should the scene call for it. There could be some bits of text that deal with the character putting herself even more in harms way just to

I wonder if maybe at some point your character could wear either similar colours that Forough wore, or colours that represent a phoenix or a fire.

Work cited:

Mahmoudibaha, Z., & Baghfalaki, M. (2014). Patriarchy and female objectification depicted in the poetry of forough farrokhzad and kishwar naheed. New Academia, 3(1).

Raoufzadeh, N., Hosein, S. M., & Birgani, S. Z. (2019). Analysis of Love, Death, Rebirth and Patriarchy in Two Contemporary Poetess Forough Farrokhzad and Sylvia Plath’s Selected Poems. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute (BIRCI-Journal), 56-64.

Zubizarreta, J. (1992). The Woman Who Sings No, No, No: Love, Freedom, and Rebellion in the Poetry of Forugh Farrokhzad. World Literature Today, 66(3), 421–426. https://doi.org/10.2307/40148358

Photos:

A Majestic Phoenix Bird rising by xrebelyellx on DeviantArt. by xRebelYellx on DeviantArt. (n.d.). https://www.deviantart.com/xrebelyellx/art/A-majestic-Phoenix-bird-rising-958159626

NBCUniversal News Group. (n.d.). Opinion | Mona Eltahawy: I swear to make men uncomfortable. and I’m proud of it. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/i-swear-make-patriarchy-uncomfortable-i-m-proud-it-ncna870736

Rebirth by Dreamswoman on DeviantArt. by dreamswoman on DeviantArt. (n.d.). https://www.deviantart.com/dreamswoman/art/Rebirth-362530551

Maddie

Developed by Alex Brown

What are Simone Weil’s opinions on Utopia, and how can that play into the idea of “Immolation”?

Orignal Question: What does Simone Weil think about Utopia, or consider one to be?

Central Purpose of Research: In this Research Report I provide my findings based on specific elements from Maddie’s original research request. To support my findings are references that include Simone Weil’s work, essays analysing her work, as well as supplementary research. This research is important because it will offer insight toward the development of the consideration of a utopia, Simone Weil’s complex writing and any thoughts on the “desired world”, and how that may be a part of the idea of ‘Immolation’

Main Concepts:

What is Utopia and why is it desired?
What does Simone Weil consider to be a utopia?
How can that play into the idea of ‘Immolation’?

Key words:

Utopia
Immolation
Desire
Complex

Definitions and etymologies:

Utopia:

Definition – “A place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions” (Merriam Webster)
Etymology - 1551, from Modern Latin Utopia, literally "nowhere," coined by Thomas More (and used as title of his book, 1516, about an imaginary island enjoying the utmost perfection in legal, social, and political systems), from Greek ou "not" + topos "place" (see topos). The current (since c. 1960) explanation of Greek ou "not" is an odd one, as it derives the word from the PIE root *aiw- "vital force, life; long life, eternity." Linguists presume a pre-Greek phrase *(ne) hoiu (kwid) "(not on your) life," with ne "not" + *kwid, an "emphasizing particle" [Watkins]. The same pattern is found elsewhere.
Extended to any perfect place by 1610s

Immolation:

Definition – The act of killing yourself or someone else, or of destroying something, usually by burning.
Etymology - early 15c., "a sacrificing, sacrificial killing" (originally especially with reference to Christ), from Old French immolacion "offering, sacrifice" (13c.) or directly from Latin immolationem (nominative immolatio) "a sacrificing," noun of action from past participle stem of immolare "to sacrifice."

Desire:

Etymology - "to wish or long for, express a wish to obtain," c. 1200, desiren, from Old French desirrer (12c.) "wish, desire, long for," from Latin desiderare "long for, wish for; demand, expect," the original sense perhaps being "await what the stars will bring," from the phrase de sidere "from the stars," from sidus (genitive sideris) "heavenly body, star, constellation"

Complex:

Etymology - 1650s, "composed of interconnected parts, formed by a combination of simple things or elements," from French complexe "complicated, complex, intricate" (17c.), from Latin complexus "surrounding, encompassing," past participle of complecti "to encircle, embrace," in transferred use, "to hold fast, master, comprehend," from com "with, together" + plectere "to weave, braid, twine, entwine," from PIE *plek-to-, suffixed form of root *plek- "to plait."
The meaning "involved, intricate, complicated, not easily analyzed" is first recorded 1715. Complex sentence, for one containing one or more subordinate clauses in addition to the principal clause, is attested from 1776.

Research Process:

It did take me a while to start research. I started right away with doing a preliminary search to learn more about Simone Weil to learn a bit more about her and read some of the work.

It was quite easy to find examples of her work and other sources relating to her, but it did take me some time to find sources that would be relevant to this research.

Central Findings:

Quarta discusses how the concept of a utopia has existed for decades, with the term not being coined until the 1500s. We as humans are naturally curious and have a desire to know more – Through all the conflict taking place today, we strive for a society that treats everyone equitably, that everyone is free.

“Demonstrating thus its capacity to move beyond purely sensible data, to move beyond immediate perception, and therefore to fore-see that which is not yet actually visible.”

We as humans have the desire to move forward, to work towards what we believe is possible even though there are no signs of what the future will look like. Weil acknowledges this in her writing, noting that we have a desire to create a better world, but our actions are preventing us from progressing as quickly as we could.

Simone Weil was a very complex person it seems. Weil thought very critically about the world; she wanted the best for it but was never optimistic about anything.

“Nature wants nothing. If humankind believes it is all about putting will against will, he is conquered in advance. (Weil,1988Vol.1:373) Citing this quote, Hermsen notes that.

“Weil believes that humankind should not behave like a superior individual vis-à-vis things, and the world or focus their attention exclusively on the beyond or the hereafter. --- She wants humankind to open to the world and surrender to it, because it is only in this way that she or he can gain a perception of what has withdrawn from that world.” (Hermsen, 1999)

Similarly, Pierce notes that

“She was deeply pessimistic; she believed that there were no inherent social forces at work making progress, and that the enlightened good will of men acting as individuals is the only possible principle of social progress ---- she was convinced that a utopian vision was essential, no matter how far distant it may be from reality.”

Weil believed in the idea of a utopia, but asked us to consider the current conditions of society, as they would need to change for us to be able to achieve the “ideal world”

“Simone Weil was a particularly interesting utopian because she continually insisted on the futility of proposing reforms which social analysis could demonstrate to be doomed to failure” (Pierce, 1962)

Outcomes:

Part of the show may be able to demonstrate Weil’s complexity by having the character just observing the others onstage, no matter how serious or dire the situation is, and when asked to help she does something that the others would be confused by.

Simone Weil seems to be the most modern of the inspired historical figures, so maybe her costume pieces could reflect that, to help the character be more individual like Weil was.

Relating back to the idea of Immolation, I wonder if there could be some sort of dialogue where the character sees both sides of a coin and helps the others to expand their viewpoint. I see the character even putting herself in harms way just to help out others, she does what she feels is right, no matter the consequences.

Work cited:

Etymologies of keywords from etymonline.com

Hermsen, J. J. (1999). The Impersonal and the Other: On Simone Weil (1907–43). European Journal of Women’s Studies, 6(2), 183-200. https://doi.org/10.1177/135050689900600205

Pierce, R. (1962). Sociology and Utopia: The Early Writings of Simone Weil. Political Science Quarterly, 77(4), 505–525. https://doi.org/10.2307/2146244

QUARTA, C., & Procida, D. (1996). Homo Utopicus: On the Need for Utopia. Utopian Studies, 7(2), 153–166. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20719515

Weil, S. (1988) Oeuvres completes de Simone Weil, Tome I, II, III, IV. Paris: Gallimard.

Photos:

Freedom in the business world - myers-davis life coaching. Myers. (2023, June 9). https://www.myersdavis.com/blog/freedom-business-world/

Improve your critical thinking by using these 3 simple strategies: Monkey puzzle training. Monkey Puzzle Training | Leadership Development and Organisational Design. (2023, April 6). https://monkeypuzzletraining.co.uk/blog/improve-your-critical-thinking-by-using-these-3-simple-strategies

Torres, É. P. (2023, July 29). Dangerous visions: How the quest for utopia could lead to catastrophe. Salon. https://www.salon.com/2023/07/29/visions-how-the-quest-for-utopia-could-lead-to/

Jaime

Developed by Gill Brook

Rizal's book the social cancer political purview of the 1800’s and how that reflects the beliefs at the time?

Orignal Question: Jose Rizal was the author of the book “Noli Me Tángere” or “The Social Cancer”, which was published in Berlin in 1887. He wrote this book because the Philippines was still in the Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1898). What was the political climate like in the Philippines around the time the book was published and how does it relate to the book?

Central Purpose of Research: “In this Research Report I provide my findings based on specific elements from Jaime's original research request. To support my findings are references that include: “Tamayo, Jose Antonio Lorenzo L. “SAYAW NG BATI: A PERSPECTIVE ON TRANSCULTURATION OF THE SPANISH COLONIAL HERITAGE IN THE SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION OF THE PHILIPPINES”., “Ortiz, Will P. “Fictionalized History in the Philippines: Five Narratives of Collective Amnesia.”, and “Social Knowledge and the Legitimation of the State: The Philippine Experience in Historical Perspective.” as well as supplementary research. This research is important because it will offer insight toward the development of: the History of the spanish Colonial period, social Hierarchies, and the Effects of catholicism.

Main Concepts:

History of how the Philippines fell under the Spanish rule
Domestic life and social hierarchies
The effects of Catholicism

Key words:

Anti-hero
Catholicism
encomienda system
Colonization
Social hierarchies

Definitions and etymologies:

Hierarchy:

Each of the three divisions of angels, every one comprising three orders, in the system of Dionysius the Areopagite: see note s.v. cherub n. Also, the collective body of angels, the angelic host. Middle English, < Old French ierarchie, jerarchie (14th cent. in Hatzfeld & Darmesteter), gerarchie (15th cent. in Littré) = Italian gerarchia, < late Latin ierarchia for hierarchia, < Greek ἱεραρχία the power or rule of a ἱεράρχης (hierarch adj. & n.), episcopate. The initial Greek ι-, treated consonantally in late Latin, gave j, g, in the Romanic languages, and so in Middle English The later β forms, like modern French hiérarchie, are directly < Latin hierarchia.

Catholic:

< (i) Anglo-Norman and Middle French catholike, catholique (French catholique) (adjective) relating to the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings (beginning of the 14th cent. in Old French), (of a person) following the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (1370), (noun) follower of Roman Catholic teachings (a1400), and its etymon (ii) post-classical Latin catholicus (adjective) universal, general (early 3rd cent. in Tertullian), in accordance with the teachings of the Christian church (4th cent.), (noun) member of the Catholic church (4th cent.; see note on how the term was understood historically) < ancient Greek καθολικός (adjective) general, universal < καθόλου (i.e. καθ' ὅλου) on the whole, in general, as a whole, generally, universally (< κατά concerning, in respect of, according to (see cata- prefix) + ὅλος whole: see holo- comb. form) + ‑ικός ‑ic suffix.

Datu:

In Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines: a landowner or chief. Also as a title of respect. Partly (i) < Malay datu, datto, dato' ruler, chief (in Old Malay as dātu sovereign, governor of a province), and its variant datok, datuk grandfather, elder, title of respect or distinction, and partly (ii) < Indonesian datuk grandfather, head of the family, chieftain, title of respect, both further cognate with Javanese ratu sovereign (see ratu n.).

Research Process:

Challenges:

Finding a concentrated question/Idea to focus my research
The amount of time I had to collect information
Gathering information on events and politics from so far in the past.

Breakthroughs:

Through my research I have discovered that before Spain officially colonized the Philippines they had created a connection with the natives by forming an alliance during a territorial war between chiefs. After this the Spanish gradually taught them a new set of religious beliefs,Catholicism,before taking rule over the isles. By the time the Philippines was officially colonized they had set up a political structure that surrounded the church. Any and every major decision was made through the church and those who had not converted were isolated.

Central Findings:

“The existing class structure during the precolonial period dissolved and changed during the Spanish colonial period. In general, the church became the central figure that administered the pueblo through the parish priest. Every decision whether it be civil, political, or religious was decided by the parish priest.” (Tamayo 180)

The church was an important piece of the Spanish Empire so it only makes sense that they would push for as many new converts as they can in their new colony. Prior to the churches power there were other officials, the encomienda, who had grown to abuse their power. This led to the king of Spain placing the church in charge as he did not approve of the encomienda’s use of their power.

“Second to the parish priest was the gobernadorcillo or the chief magistrate. More so, the datu’s position as the leading figure head of the precolonial days was changed to the position of a cabeza de barangay. This position was also hereditary. In the colonial days, the datu and his immediate family became the principalia (upper class) and all civil positions available for the natives then were taken from this class.” (Tamayo 180)

Pre colonization the Datu were the chiefs of different parts of the philippines. For the most part everyone got along in harmony until the Spanish arrived and aided an attack against one of the chiefs Lapu-lapu. It wasn’t until about 45 years later that the Philippines was officially under Spanish rule. The Datu were offered a high class status right below the church, this could possibly be because Spain wanted to keep order and allowing the previous high ranking officials in a conceptual power role will diminish any pushback towards their reign.

“Many of those who gained education intermarried with Spaniards, thus creating a mestizo group of Eurasian origin. Additionally, they became the core of the emergent merchant class, which occupied a relatively affluent position compared with the rest of society. It was logical, therefore, that education became associated with wealth and status, a basic pattern that was later to serve, ironically, as the base for the nascent nationalism among the native elite.” (Bauzon 176)

When the Spanish took rule over the Philippines there was a Major push for the people of the Philippines to convert to catholicism. The structure of politics became heavily centered around the church as any decision of civil or political importance would be made through the church usually via the Parish Priest. Second to the church came the Datu and his immediate family. Their status could be viewed as a reward for their cooperation with Spain's Rule. This high class status would be passed along to through generations and would allow those who were direct descents of the Datu more luxuries. Some of these luxuries included higher education. Being an offspring of upper and middle class families allowed them privileges like attending Universities in Europe.

Outcomes:

It was likely that Jose Rizal had Catholic influences that impacted his beliefs. How could that be influential to your character? What is your character's relationship with religion?

Work cited:

“Datuk, N., Etymology.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, July 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/1036674183.

Lamudi, et al. “Historic: 35 of the Most Beautiful Old Churches in the Philippines.” Lamudi, 24 June 2021, www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/most-beautiful-churches-philippines/.

Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. “catholic (adj. & n.), Etymology,” September 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/7963572493.

Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. “hierarchy (n.), Etymology,” September 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/6957684698.

“Philippines Map and Satellite Image.” Geology, geology.com/world/philippines-satellite-image.shtml. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.

References:

Books

Rizal, Jose. The Social Cancer, www.gutenberg.org/files/6737/6737-h/6737-h.htm. Accessed 9 Feb. 2024.

News Articles

Videos

“Colonization of the Philippines - Explained in 11 Minutes.” YouTube, YouTube, 25 Jan. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAZIdaj_Vdc&list=WL&index=51.

“Philippine Spanish Colonial Period Part 1 | Philippine History.” YouTube, YouTube, 24 Aug. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP599d-Fq8I&list=WL&index=50.

“Pre-Colonial and Spanish Colonial Periods| Philippine Literature.” YouTube, YouTube, 13 Sept. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf903AfV0Os&list=WL&index=52.

“Why the Philippine Revolution Failed Successfully (1896-1898) | Philippine History.” YouTube, YouTube, 26 Feb. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx-IPDlxblw&list=WL&index=53.

June

Developed by Emily Zandbergen

What is the process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly and what are the differences between the two species?

Original Question: Would you be able to look into the process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly?

Any movement potential for body work
Are there any caterpillars with large differences from others in terms of transforming?
Any potential cultural significance to Korea or queerness
Any other details you find interesting!

Central Purpose of Research: In this research report, I provide findings based on the specific elements from June’s original research request. To support my findings are references that include O’Toole (2009), Hammer et al (2014) and the Florida Museum of Natural History, as well as supplementary research. This research is important and relevant as it will offer insight into the metamorphosis process of the butterfly as well as the differences between a caterpillar and butterfly, and how these may inform June’s character work.

Main Concepts:

Metamorphosis
- How does this process take place for the butterfly
- How is it different from other species
Self-Protection
- How does the caterpillar/butterfly protect itself
- What tactics does it utilize
Transformation
- How does the caterpillar transform into the butterfly
- How does this connect to the idea of shedding skin

Definitions and etymologies:

Metamorphosis:

The action or process of changing in form, shape, or substance; esp. transformation by supernatural means (Oxford English Dictionary, 2023).

Lifecycle:

Biology. The sequence of stages through which an individual organism passes from origin as a zygote to death, or through which the members of a species pass from the production of gametes by one generation to that by the next (Oxford English Dictionary, 2023).

Vulnerable:

That may be wounded; susceptible of receiving wounds or physical injury (Oxford English Dictionary, 2023).

Key words:

Butterfly
Metamorphosis
Insect
Caterpillar
Transformation

Protection
Lifecycle
Skin
Growth
Vulnerable

Research Process:

During this research process, I came across the challenge of attempting to find information on just butterflies, rather than their metaphorical purpose. This barrier made it difficult to find relevant information, however, with some help from the library liaison, I was able to find some biology based research. A breakthrough that I had in this research was the learning of the molting process for a caterpillar, as the shedding of skin is very relevant to June’s character.

Central Findings:

The process of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly consists of the process referred to as metamorphosis. “There are four separate stages in the life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, and adult). Each stage looks completely different and serves a different purpose in the life of the insect” (Florida Museum of Natural History, 2023). This identifies the different stages that may inform the development of June’s character (and how each stage is very different).
Caterpillars, also known as, “larvae consume leaves and stems of cyanogenic glycoside-rich passion-flower vines, while adults visit flowers to feed on pollen as well as nectar” (Hammer et al, 2014). Caterpillars are heavy eaters and need to consume a lot of food to help with the growth (O’Toole, 2009). As they eat, their skin will eventually split and shed, revealing a new skin. This process is called molting and happens several times until they go into metamorphosis. This identifies the idea of ‘shedding skin’ which may inform June’s character and how she sheds her skin.
Caterpillars are vulnerable to predators and utilize a variety of tactics to protect themselves including; “merging into their surroundings, by concealing themselves inside plant tissues… also achieve concealment by using color or shape” (O’Toole, 2009). The idea of hiding and becoming their surroundings may inform June’s character and how she conducts herself in the world of the show.

Outcomes:

These findings could potentially inform a few things for June’s character in this work. Firstly, the life cycle of larvae developing into a beautiful butterfly is a metaphor in itself, which I think can easily be applied to June’s character. Learning about the caterpillar shedding its skin applies as June is exploring this exact concept with her character. As well, the tactics used by a caterpillar to disguise itself from predators relate heavily to the chameleon, which June has expressed relating to in her work thus far. I think looping in some of these characteristics of the caterpillar and its transformation to the butterfly will be relevant and beneficial to June’s character.

Work cited:

“Butterfly Life Cycle.” For Educators, www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/educators/resource/butterfly-life-cycle/#:~:text=What’s%20Going%20On%3F,%2C%20pupa%2C%20and%20adult. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.

Brusegar, Carol. Butterfly Transformation, carolbrusegar.com/transforming-your-retirement-positive-expectations/be-511555_1920/.

Greer, Steve. “Monarch Butterfly Metamorphosis.” Steve Greer Photography, 6 Dec. 2018, www.stevegreerphotography.com/2011/03/09/monarch-butterfly-metamorphosis/.

Hammer, Tobin J., et al. “Metamorphosis of a butterfly-associated bacterial community.” PLoS ONE, vol. 9, no. 1, 23 Jan. 2014, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0086995.

Holland, Mary. “Caterpillars Eating & Molting.” Naturally Curious with Mary Holland, 27 July 2019, naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com/2019/07/27/caterpillars-eating-molting/.

“Life Cycle, N., Sense 1.a.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, July 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/5001084871.

“Metamorphosis, N., Sense 1.a.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, July 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/6761067025.

O’Toole, Christopher. The New Encyclopedia of Insects and Their Allies. Oxford University Press, 2009.

“Vulnerable, Adj., Sense 2.a.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, September 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/9797951229.

“Butterfly: A Life | National Geographic.” YouTube, YouTube, 15 Oct. 2010, www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVm5k99PnBk.

“Why Is the Very Hungry Caterpillar so Dang Hungry? | Deep Look.” YouTube, YouTube, 11 July 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=el_lPd2oFV4.

Journals/Articles

Cho, Sookja. Transforming Gender and Emotion : The Butterfly Lovers Story in China and Korea. University of Michigan Press, 2018.

Terblanche, Etienne. “Butterfly Dialectics in Modern Poetry.” Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, vol. 24, no. 4, 2018, pp. 620–38, https://doi.org/10.1093/isle/isx065.

Poetry

Bandekar, Pravin Dashrath. “Caterpillar.” Indian Literature (New Delhi), vol. 61, no. 5 (301), 2017, pp. 115–115.

Bullets & Butterflies : Queer Spoken Word Poetry. Suspect Thoughts Press, 2005.

Books

Butterfly (London, England : 1899). Grant Richards., 1899.

Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 1969.

Quinn

Developed by Emily Zandbergen

What is the history surrounding the pink triangle and how did it become a symbol of activism?

Original Question: Look into the history of the pink triangle symbol. I have a general understanding of it (used in concentration camps to identify male homosexuals, later became a symbol of AIDS activism), but I would like to know more.

Who/what has it represented, and how has that changed over time?
Who has used it?
Where did it come from?
Why pink?
What controversies surround it?

Central Purpose of Research: In this research report, I provide findings based on the specific elements from Quinn’s original research request. To support my findings are references that include Jensen (2002), Lautmann (1981) and Samuel (2002), as well as supplementary research. This research is important and relevant as it will offer insight toward the development of the pink triangle. This will include its history, controversies as well as its journey to becoming a symbol of activism. All of which can help inform Quinn’s character.

Main Concepts:

Violence
- Where the pink triangle originated from
- How it was used and who it represented
Pride
- The transformation into an activism symbol
- What are the controversies surrounding it
Sexuality
- How is it projected in the pink triangle
- How has this changed over time

Definitions and etymologies:

Activism:

The policy of active participation or engagement in a particular sphere of activity; the use of vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change (Oxford English Dictionary, 2023).

Identity:

The quality or condition of being the same in substance, composition, nature, properties, or in particular qualities under consideration; absolute or essential sameness; oneness (Oxford English Dictionary, 2023).

Memory:

The faculty by which things are remembered; the capacity for retaining, perpetuating, or reviving the thought of things past (Oxford English Dictionary, 2023).

Key words:

Pink
Triangle
Badge
Memory
LGBTQ+

Activism
AIDS
Identity
Concentration Camps
Homosexual

Research Process:

Through this research process, the biggest challenge was gaining access to some of the sources. Two books, which are listed in the ‘other sources’ section would have been super beneficial to utilize in my research; however, the barrier of accessing them prevented that. On the other hand, a breakthrough that I had was learning just how much controversy surrounded the pink triangle being utilized as an activism symbol as well as its development.

Central Findings:

The triangle itself wasn’t specific to homosexuals, but instead was used for all the prisoners. Each colour represented a specific category, with pink being the one that represented homosexuals and was considered the lowest rank. “However, the pink triangle was usually larger than the others and had a yellow bar to increase its visibility to distinguish it” (Lautmann 148). This identifies the purpose and status that was associated with this symbol, which may be able to be incorporated into Quinn’s character.
1981 was the first reported case of AIDS, which led “the AIDS organization ACT-UP reappropriated the pink triangle as its identifying symbol” (Jensen 331). It has since become a symbol for activism for the LGBTQ+ community and it is worn with a sense of pride. “Communities can empower visual symbols with a multitude of resonating messages and meanings that evoke stirring emotions, shape identities, and inspire people to take political action” (Newsome 201-203). This identifies how the symbol has changed for the better and how something that was harmful can become something of pride, which could play a part in Quinn’s character's story.
The use of the pink triangle as a symbol of activism has a lot of controversy surrounding it. Many believe that it is an abusive symbol as it refers to a time that wearing the pink triangle was shameful and harmful. As well, some believe that it draws false equivalencies between LGBTQ+ and jewish victims, which could be considered unfair and disrespectful to their traumas (Newsome 201-203). This explains how the pink triangle may not resonate to all that are part of the LGBTQ+ community, which begs the question, would Quinn’s character wear it with pride?

Outcomes:

These findings could potentially inform a few things for Quinn’s character in this work. Firstly, I think the symbol of the pink triangle is very interesting, especially since Quinn is exploring the character's journey of feeling like a coward and how to break out of that. This journey is similar to the one this symbol has taken, going from a shameful symbol to one that is worn with pride. I think a conversation regarding the symbol and how it could be incorporated into Quinn’s costume perhaps could be interesting! As well, I think diving into the controversy of the symbol and opinions surrounding it could inform the reaction of others as to Quinn’s character’s use of it or perhaps Quinn’s character’s decision not to wear it. I think the use of it or the lack thereof can inform a different story for Quinn’s character.

Work cited:

“Activism, N., Sense 3.b.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, July 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/7762694309.

Huneke, Samuel Clowes. “Pink triangle legacies: Coming out in the shadow of the holocaust. by W. Jake Newsome.” Journal of Social History, vol. 57, no. 1, 25 Feb. 2023, pp. 201–203, https://doi.org/10.1093/jsh/shad004.

“Identity, N., Sense 1.a.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, December 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/3948406650.

Jensen, Erik N. “The Pink Triangle and Political Consciousness: Gays, Lesbians, and the Memory of Nazi Persecution.” Journal of the History of Sexuality, vol. 11, no. 1/2, 2002, pp. 319–49, https://doi.org/10.1353/sex.2002.0008.

Lautmann, Rüdiger. “The Pink Triangle: The Persecution of Homosexual Males in Concentration Camps in Nazi Germany.” Journal of Homosexuality, vol. 6, no. 1–2, 1981, pp. 141–60, https://doi.org/10.1300/J082v06n01_13.

Malloryk. “Recounting Terror and Sexual Violence: Josef Kohout’s the Men with the Pink Triangle: The National WWII Museum: New Orleans.” The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, The National World War II Museum, 29 June 2020, www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/the-men-with-the-pink-triangle-heinz-heger.

“Memory, N., Sense II.6.a.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, December 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/1020966869.

“The Fight for Freedom: Civil Rights.” Visit the Empire State Plaza & New York State Capitol, empirestateplaza.ny.gov/fight-freedom-civil-rights. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/classification-system-in-nazi-concentration-camps. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.

Media

KRON 4. “The History of the Pink Triangle.” YouTube, YouTube, 9 June 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I_9AuHt-ng.

“Public Talk: The Men in the Pink Triangle (LGBTQI+ History Month: 2021).” YouTube, YouTube, 23 Apr. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cY4_lJSlgs.

Journals/Articles

Griffiths, Craig. “The Pink Triangle.” The Ambivalence of Gay Liberation, 25 Feb. 2021, pp. 125–162, https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198868965.003.0005.

Waxman, Olivia B. “How Nazi Pink Triangles Symbol Was Reclaimed for LGBT Pride.” Time, Time, 31 May 2018, time.com/5295476/gay-pride-pink-triangle-history/.

Poetry

“Pink Triangle by John F McCullagh.” Hello Poetry, hellopoetry.com/poem/226065/pink-triangle/.

Sarfan, Mohamed. “Pink Triangle.” Poetry Nook, www.poetrynook.com/content/pink-triangle.

Books

Heger, Heinz. The Men with the Pink Triangle : The True Life-and-Death Story of Homosexuals in the Nazi Death Camps. New ed., Alyson, 2010.

Setterington, Ken. Branded by the Pink Triangle. Second Story Press, 2013.