Dubai’s Migrant Narratives Take Centre Stage in Metro Diaries

The cultural performance Metro Diaries is arriving in Dubai with a bold yet thoughtful look at migrant life in the city. Created by Kolektib, an independent group made up mostly of Filipino artists, the production uses the Dubai Metro as its central symbol.

For the collective, the metro is not just a way to get from one place to another. It reflects the migrant journey itself, filled with waiting, hope, effort, and quiet strength. It is a moving record of everyday life in the Gulf.

From Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Metro Diaries first premiered last year at The Arts Centre at New York University Abu Dhabi. Now, the performance is returning to the city where its stories began.

The show presents what the creators describe as an unapologetic yet respectful view of migrant experiences in Dubai. The stories are drawn from real lives, shaped by daily routines, shared spaces, and private thoughts.

Why the Metro Became the Setting

The decision to set the performance on the metro came from close observation of daily life. Jomel Duran Reyes, the cultural producer and one of the performance makers, describes rush hour as intense and demanding.

For him, the crowded carriages reflect the reality of migrant life, where every day feels like a test of endurance and persistence.

Growth, Movement, and Meaning

Jomel also sees the metro as a symbol of progress. It represents where migrants started, what they have achieved, and where they still hope to go.

The journey is not only physical. It reflects personal change, moments of struggle, and small victories that shape life far from home.

The Power of Small Wins

One of the most emotional scenes in the play focuses on a character who finally has a room of their own. BJ Hidalgo, the production manager, explains why this moment matters.

In a city where many people share living space, having a place to return to at the end of the day brings a sense of calm and dignity. Small achievements, he says, deserve recognition, especially when progress feels slow.

Reflection as Survival

Jomel believes that noticing these small moments helps migrants keep going. Looking back at where one started can reveal how far they have already come.

That reflection becomes a quiet source of motivation, reminding people that they are moving forward, even if it does not always feel that way.

Stories Taken from Real Life

What gives Metro Diaries its emotional weight is its honesty. According to Jomel, most of the dialogue comes directly from personal journals and lived experiences of the performers.

BJ describes a workshop where the group travelled on the metro and buses to observe daily life. They took notes and photos, capturing moments of prayer, phone calls, and silence. Many of those observations made their way into the script.

Stories That Cross Borders

Malavika Suresh, a spoken word artist and academic researcher, is one of the few non-Filipino members of the group. She points out that while the stories are personal, they are widely relatable.

The emotions and experiences shared in the performance cut across nationality and background. Anyone who has lived away from home can find something familiar in them.

She also notes that the movement itself tells a story. Even without words, the physical language of the performers carries meaning.

Questioning the Idea of Resilience

One of the most important themes in Metro Diaries is its challenge to the idea of the endlessly strong migrant. Filipino workers abroad are often praised for resilience, but that praise leaves little room for vulnerability.

Jomel explains that public conversations about mental health were often missing. The performance addresses emotional strain, work pressure, and the weight of expectations from families back home.

Malavika adds that many migrants feel guilty for struggling, believing they should feel grateful rather than overwhelmed. That inner conflict is a key part of the story.

Finding Connection with the Audience

Jomel recalls a moment by the corniche when the true version of the script finally came together. Since then, the response from audiences has been deeply personal.

After one performance, an audience member approached him in tears, recognising herself in the story on stage. For the creators, that moment alone made the work worthwhile.

Malavika shares a similar experience. Someone told her it was the first time they had seen themselves represented in a play.

What the Creators Hope You Take Away

When asked what audiences might feel after watching Metro Diaries, Malavika answers without hesitation—compassion, for others and for oneself.

She hopes people will understand that moving slowly does not mean failing, and that personal struggles are worth acknowledging.

Jomel echoes that sentiment. He wants people to see value in their own stories and to recognise the strength it takes simply to keep going.

Looking at the Person Beside You

Metro Diaries invites audiences to look differently at the people they share the metro with, not as workers or statistics, but as individuals on long, complex journeys toward a sense of home.

The performance will take place on February 14 at 7 pm and February 15 at 4 pm at SIMA Performing Arts, Alserkal Avenue.