Ballet Manila Unveils 20th Performance Season "From Page to Stage"
METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES. Last July 2, Ballet Manila presented its 20th performance season entitled "From Page to Stage" which brings to life characters we had grown up with and known from pages of foreign and local books. Books and dance do not always go hand in hand, however, Ballet Manila again broke the improbable and went pass through the proverbial by concretizing the characters through the magic and grace of ballet. With this, story book and dance enthusiasts will surely find themselves fascinated by Severino Reyes, "Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang", Paul Vasterling's "Romeo and Juliet," Osia Barroso's "Pinocchio," Martin Lawrance's "Rebel" and Alan Hineline's "Hansel and Gretel".
severino reyes' "tatlongkuwentoni lola basyang"
The season starts within. Plucked from the many stories and books of Lola Basyang, these three are varied in theme. Though "Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon" shows us that love conquers all and knows no boundaries and differences, "Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya" presents love in a different light as it is about a young hero's search for his three bewitched sisters whom he had never seen yet. Finally, "Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin" explores the mystery behind a magical violin transforming an unkind rich man.
Lola Basyang is a local icon and it is a rarity that a Filipino would not have any idea who she may be. Lola Basyang is the pen name used by Severino Reyes, the founder and editor of Liwayway magazine.
Severino Reyes' "Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang" goes onstage at the Aliw Theater on August 21, 22, 28, 29, at 8:00 p.m. and August 23 and 30 at 3:00 p.m.
A dramatic highlight from "Ang Prinsipe Ng Mga Ibon"
A scene from "Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria", choreographed by Ballet Manila Artistic Director LIsa Macuja Elizalde.
A scene from the fun and funny "Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin" that features original music by Ryan Cayabyab.
paul vasterling's "romeo and juliet"
Moving outside the national boundaries, Ballet Manila starts with the classic "Romeo and Juliet" which will act as the Asian premier of the unforgettable Shakespeare tragic romance that we have all come to love.
Manila Symphony Orchestra with guest conductor Maestro Alexander Vikulov of the Mariinsky Theater will accompany the passionate dance romance. Paul Vasterling's "Romeo & Juliet" goes onstage at the Aliw Theater on October 2 & 3 at 8:00 p.m., and October 4 at 3:00 p.m.
OSIAS BARROSO'S PINOCCHIO
"Pinocchio" has always been a regular in Ballet Manila's repertoire list. This year, though, the full-length production is made more colorful and exciting by the addition of more characters and incorporation of interesting twists making it a magical dream brought to life.
Osias Barroso's "Pinocchio" goes on stage at Aliw Theater on November 27 and 28, December 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and on November 29 and December 6 at 3 p.m.
martin lawrance's rebel
In celebration of the rebel in each of us and the commemoration of the the 30th anniversary of the historical EDSA Revolution will Ballet Manila perform "Rebel" which is the group's version of the famous "Spartacus", a piece associated with Bolshoi Ballet.
The dance drama will have the 1986 People Power Revolution as the backdrop.
"A true rebel stands up for what they believe in, not necessarily against what's right. They know who they are and do not compromise their individuality or personal opinion for anyone. They are straightforward and honest and they will sure as hell tell it like it is. There is a rebel in all of us!"
Martin Lawrance
The rich symphonic Khachaturian score will be executed by ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga. Martin Lawrance's "Rebel" goes onstage at the Aliw Theater on February 19, 20, 26, 27 (2016) at 8:00 p.m. and on February 21 & 28 (2016) at 3:00 p.m.
alan hineline's "hansel & gretel"
To cater to the younger audience, Ballet Manila also presents "Hansel & Gretel" with choreographer Alan Hineline, which will follow the forest adventures of Hansel and Gretel leading them to their misadventure of finding a house made of goodies and sweets but owned by a witch.
Alan Hineline's "Hansel & Gretel" goes onstage at Star Theater on January 29 & 30 (2016) at 7 p.m. and January 31 (2016) at 3 p.m.
"Rebel" is a specially commissioned dance to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Edsa revolution; set against the backdrop of the 1986 event that changed the Philippine history
1st annual ballet manila choreography competition
With the hope to help new artist launch their careers in dance choreography, Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde with Ballet Manila launches the 1st Annual Ballet Manila Choreography Compeition, a cutting edge competition for choreographers. More than the prestige and bragging rights that may ensue upon winning, cash prizes are also at stake together with the rare opportunity to have their winning work presented by Ballet Manila.
The competition is set to happen on March 19, 2016, 8 p.m. at the Aliw Theater.
Excerpts of the ballet depiction of Muro-ami.
Season subscriptions and tickets for all shows are available through Ticketworld.
