The Aliens of Manila

A companion to his large-scale creature on view at The Bentway, Leeroy New’s The Aliens of Manila is a vibrant set of sculptural costumes made from discarded domestic plastics from around Toronto worn by local performers. The Aliens, who land in public spaces in different cities, call attention to the experience of overseas Filipino workers, the vast majority of whom work in our healthcare and personal care sectors, and are an essential yet often invisible migrant workforce.

A twist on the famous “Humans of New York” photo series, the Aliens, who land in public spaces in different cities, call attention to those who are marginalized in the urban landscape. Like his installation, the Aliens are inspired by the sustainable practices in the Philippines, which are born out of necessity, where Filipinos reimagine the uses of plastic to create household items.

In the Canadian context, New’s Aliens speak to the too often marginalized experience of overseas Filipino workers, the vast majority of whom work in the Canadian healthcare and personal care sector, and are an essential yet often invisible migrant workforce. New’s costumes at first glance are eye-catching and otherworldly, but they also reassert the presence of these Aliens in public space, asking us to contemplate the invisible care work that maintains our economy and our collective health. 

First landing in Toronto in May 2023 to the delight and awe of audiences, the Aliens are back for four electric appearances at The Bentway Skate Trail during Nuit Blanche at 10:00pm, 11:00pm, 12:00am, and 1:00am. Catch them while you can!

Choreographed by Toronto’s own Danah Rosales and featuring Rosales, along with Patricia ‘Ponytail Patricia’ Gordon, Jocelyne ‘Jaws Siriano’ Cardenas, Kelly-Ann ‘Mystique Siriano’ Johnson, Cy ‘Siriano’ Clusiaux, Renee ‘Posieda’ Mia Rose Van Hagen, Solar ‘Poseida’ Oshiana Morningstar, Raymond ‘Rayne Siriano’ Cabbab, Joshua Ongcol, and Ralph Escamillan.

What to expect:

• A series of vibrant costumes fabricated from single-use plastics.
• All performances will be wheelchair accessible
• All-gender and accessible washrooms available and proximate to performances. Benches are nearby for those that require seating accommodations

Participating Dancers:

Danah Rosales, Patricia Gordon, Jocelyne ‘Jaws’ Cardenas, Kelly-Ann Johnson, Cy Clusiaux, Renee Mia Rose Van Hagen, Solar Oshiana Morningstar, Rayne Siriano.

Lab New Artist/Designer:
Georjanno Abenoja

Commissioned by The Bentway

Co-presenters & Other Partners

• Fort York National Historic Site
• City of Toronto

Special thanks to

• Green For Life
• EllisDon Corp.
• The Toronto Botanical Garden
• Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
• Waterfront Neighborhood Center
• TNG Childcare Center- Canoe Landing
• Toronto Public Library- Fort York Branch
• El Rancho Nightclub
• Canoe Landing Community Center
• Ballmatics Toronto and Sam Carter-Shamai
• Ripley’s Aquarium
• Multi Mold Plastics Inc.
• Viking Recycling
• Cedar Springs
• David Constantino Salazar