History takes flight in Ballet Manila Presents: Ibong Adarna.
The 22nd performance season of the country’s premier ballet company, entitled Flights of Fantasy, brings to life the classic Filipino tale. It follows the search of three mighty brothers Pedro, Diego, and Juan for the elusive magical bird that possesses healing powers. Witness their journey in Berbanya as the stage of the Aliw Theatre gets transformed into the setting for this favorite folk.
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World Class Performance
The performance features the choreography of the multi-awarded choreographer and principal dancer, Gerardo Francisco. Gia Macuja-Atchison whose credits include The Lion King, Miss Saigon, and Jesus Christ Superstar, takes on the role of the singing Adarna. Diwa de Leon, son of National Artist Felipe de Leon Jr, produced original music for the ballet performance. Adding to the magic is the script by Angela Blardony Ureta while Make It Happen designed new sets and costumes for the production. Gilberto’s libretto will tie everything up and showcase its range and creativity through scenes such as the Alitaptap Dance, the Monkey Dance, and the scene between Juan and the Ibong Adarna.
Rich Culture
Witnessing the local story unfold in this production, according to Francisco is due to his fascination with avian creatures. Using the familiar Adarna also adds to their vision for Ballet Manila to ‘bring ballet to the people and bring people to the ballet.’ Ballet Manila‘s CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde adds that Ibong Adarna is ‘a masterpiece of original Filipino dance, music, and theatre.’ On top of that, they aim to highlight the Vaganova roots of Ballet Manila which are its strengths and foundations.
The world-class retelling and choreography of this magical story targets to make any Filipino proud. Gerardo incorporated elements of the Filipino culture in the form of music and tradition from all over the country. It aims to showcase the richness of the local culture not only to the Filipino audience but also to the whole world.
Ibong Adarna’s world premiere is on August 26 at 6:00 PM. Other show dates
are: September 2 at 6:00 PM, and on August 27 and September 3 at 3:00 PM.
All shows at Aliw Theater in Pasay City.
