BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
AT A GLANCE
Five National Artists collaborated on this landmark production – Alice Reyes (dance), Ryan Cayabyab (music), Bienvenido Lumbera and Rolando Tinio (literature), Salvador Bernal (theater design).
“Rama Hari,” the Filipino modern rock opera ballet that is an adaptation of the Sanskrit epic poem, “Ramayana,” returns onstage starting Feb. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
Five National Artists collaborated on this landmark production – Alice Reyes (dance), Ryan Cayabyab (music), Bienvenido Lumbera and Rolando Tinio (literature), Salvador Bernal (theater design).
All shows will be accompanied by live music from the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth. Toma Cayabyab wields the baton for the orchestra.
On Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m., National Artist Ryan Cayabyab will conduct the orchestra for one special performance of “Rama Hari,” and on Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m., the closing show is a special gala performance for the Angat Buhay Foundation.
Arman Ferrer and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez will respectively play the roles of Rama and Sita both on Feb. 23 and 25.
Other casts members are Karylle Tatlonghari and Nica Tupas (Sita alternates), Vien King (Rama alternate), John Mojica, Poppert Bernadas, Paw Castillo, Jon Abella and Audie Gemora.
With Katrine Sunga, Miah Canton, Marynor Madamesilla and Raflesia Bravo. Chorus is Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS), with members from Baihana and Conchords. The ballet is danced by the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.
"I am very excited for this last run of Rama Hari this weekend and next,” Mr. C wrote on his FaceBook account.
“Come and watch this (habang buhay pa kami ni Alice!!!). I don't think it will be restaged in the next 10 years. The last time there was a major re-staging was in 2011. That was 13 years ago!
“The dancers are sooooooooo good and sooooo disciplined. Iba sila talaga. The costumes and stage design by Badong Bernal are classic. Bienvenido Lumbera's libretto is moving, lyrics are sublime in the arias and scintillating in the production numbers.”
Get your tickets now at TicketWorld.com.ph or by contacting Alice Reyes Dance Philippines via email at ardancephilippinesinc@gmail.com or via mobile number 0967 153-6173.
