MANILA, Philippines — Ballet Manila (BM) proudly announces the stellar line up of ballet productions for its 22nd ballet season set to open this August at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City.
Dubbed “Flights of Fantasy,” this year's season will debut two all-original productions, which BM artistic director and prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has been working on with internationally-known dancers, musicians and production designers.
“Ibong Adarna,” one of the two original productions, will open its ballet season. It will premiere on August 26, at 6 p.m., with regular show on September 2, at 6 p.m., and matinee shows on August 27 and September 3, at 3 p.m.
Choreographed by Gerardo Francisco, one of the company's principal dancers, this production brings to life Balagtas' classic tale about a mystical bird who can heal in a modern re-telling. Through production techniques, flying sequences and impressive routines, the ballet company will take its audience to the Kingdom of Berbanya, where they will weave timeless themes of family, loyalty, love and courage.
Gia Macuja Atchison, a West End actress and sister of Lisa Macuja, lends her soulful voice as the singing Ibong Adarna to showcase the wonderful music by Diwa de Leon. Angela Blardony Ureta created the script for the production, while make It Happen Workshop takes care of the set and costume design.
After the Ibong Adarna has taken flight, Odette and Odile from "Swan Lake" will give us some dose of romance. One of the world's most enduring classical ballets, "Swan Lake" will go on stage on October 7 and 14, at 6 p.m., and on October 8 and 15, at 3 p.m.
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"Swan Lake" tells the story of an enchanted princess who is cursed to spend her days as a swan unless someone - a prince - who has never loved before swears to love her forever. An evil spirit throws an obstacle in her way through her daughter who, by magic, resembles the cursed princess.
“'Swan Lake' is the ultimate test for a classical ballerina. To dance the dual roles of Odette and Odile is one of the most difficult roles to do because you need to be vulnerable and lyrical as the white swan, and sharp and steely as the black swan,” enthused Lisa.
When planning for the company's upcoming seasons, Lisa is committed to have at least one classical ballet in their repertoire to uphold its Vaganova Academy roots.
“Ballet Manila has always been known as a company that strictly adheres to the Vaganova technique and Russian style of dancing. That's something that we've always stressed out by staging classical ballets that highlight our technique's strength,” shared the country's prima ballerina.
BM's "Swan Lake" production will follow the original Lev Ivanov choreography for the white acts. It will feature the music from master composer Peter Tchaikovsky, which will be performed by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov of the Russia's Marinsky Theater. Miguel Faustmann will design set, while fashion designer Michael Miguel will create the new costume.
Hoping to make the holiday season more magical and fantastical, Ballet Manila will stage "Snow White" on November 25, at 6 p.m. Other show dates are December 2, at 6 p.m., and on November 26 and December 3, at 3 p.m.
This holiday offering will be the second full-length production that Lisa will choreograph. The first one was "Cinderella," which was shown at last year's season.
“We are making 'Snow White' a more magical experience for everybody. We are working hard to make sure that our version leaves a mark that will make the holidays more memorable and spectacular,” said Lisa, who did not want to reveal much except that this production will be loosely based on the Grimm tale, with elements from the Disney version of the fairy tale.
Closing the ballet season will be another installment of the popular "Ballets & Ballads." While the ballet company continues to stick to its classical ballet roots, Lisa understands the need to up their game by combining classical and contemporary.
Featuring an expertly curated repertoire of classics and modern music to be performed by balladeer Christian Bautista and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, "Ballets & Ballads" will be the ultimate romantic treat for the love month.
This culminating production will also premiere British choreographer Martin Lawrance's "Aria," which will feature five of his personal favorite arias from the operas by Bizet, Puccini and Verdi.
Catch "Ballets & Ballads" on February 10 and 17, 2018, at 6 p.m., and February 11 and 18, 2018, at 3 p.m.
