Nor Osborne, Features Editor–
For director and playwright Ikera “Kee” Olandesca ‘26, creating her play “Walk All Over” has been an exciting adventure, exploring an artistic understanding of identity and collective resistance.
“Walk All Over” is an experimental play that explores postcolonialism and the lasting negative impacts colonization has on an area, based on Olandesca’s personal experiences growing up in the Philippines. The play does not follow a traditional narrative structure, instead it aims to investigate the systems of power and complex relationships in different areas of a postcolonial island.
“Structurally, we get to see three interconnected stories. The first is between a student and a teacher in the education system, an acolyte and a priest in the religious system, a mother and the daughter, which explores family life and the class system,” Olandesca said. “The student, acolyte and daughter come together and realize that by talking to each other, questioning the systems around them, they can find some psychological liberation.”
Olandesca began this project last year, working under the guidance of former professor Peter Pauzé to conceptualize and write the piece. This fall, Olandesca worked with Professor Eleni Papaleonardos and Denison Independent Theatre Association (DITA) to direct and produce the play.
The dialogue of the play is poetically based, pulling from poetry pieces that Olandesca has been writing since elementary school. To support the rhythm and musical nature of the poetry, Olandesca teamed up with Robin Adams ‘27 to compose a score and music direct a live pit on stage. The pit includes a cajon drum, piano, marimba, congas, flute, and guitar.
“Music is a big symbol in the play, and we use it as a tool to help guide the audience,” Olandesca said. “We have different instruments symbolizing the colonizer and colonized binary, utilizing specific instruments associated with a Western versus an Eastern canon of music. The music also helps support that shift of power, representing the resistance against oppression at the end of the play.”
Writing, directing, and producing her own play meant juggling a lot of tasks and challenges.
“As the director and playwright, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to ensure the storyline is clear while also staying true to the experimental, collage style,” Olandesca said. “From the production standpoint, it’s been really important to bring everything together. Making sure that every single part of the rehearsal team- the cast, the run crew, the musicians, every the designers, come together and align with the larger storyline and aesthetic.”
“I’ve also been trying to create an environment where we’re not just working towards the completion of this product, but creating a nurturing and supportive space. I’ve been trying to cultivate that empathy and care, making people feel mutually respected, even though everyones coming from different backgrounds and skill levels. It’s really important to me that everyone is cared for.”
“Walk All Over” hosted two sold out performances on Nov. 16 and 17 in Eisner 144.
Left Photo: From left: Millya Nguyen ‘28, Ashwin Krishnamurthy ‘26, and Lina McCabe ‘28
perform a scene in the Hylbert Family Theatre. Right Photo: Ashwin Krishnamurthy ‘26 looks up at Tung Anh Nguyen ‘28 as he performs as the Acolyte in the play.