Ballet Manila restages Lola Basyang's tales
MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Manila brings back its most popular and critically-acclaimed production of Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang as its 16th season opener. The trio of endearing tales from the beloved Filipino storyteller will go onstage on Aug. 19, 20, 21, 27 and 28 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.
Young ballerina Missy Elizalde will dance as “Ate Missy” who, along with veteran TV and radio talent Luz Fernandez as Lola Basyang, will be weaving the three stories together.
Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang is set to captivate audiences once more with dance and music artistry at its finest, combined with colorful sets and costumes.
Co-presented by Anvil Publishing, Bellarocca Island Resorts and Spa, Aliw Theater and Manila Broadcasting Company, the all-Filipino production features the following enchantment-filled and value-laden stories:
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon, a love story about the search and sacrifice for true love, as a princess falls in love with a bird, choreographed by Osias Barroso with music from selected National Artists as arranged by Mon Faustino; Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya, a fantasy set to contemporary neo-ethnic music which follows a hero’s journey to different kingdoms in search of his bewitched sisters, choreographed by Lisa Macuja-Elizalde to the music of Joey Ayala; and Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin, a local Pied Piper tale with the hero, through his magical violin, showing how good ultimately triumphs over evil, choreographed by Tony Fabella with music by Ryan Cayabyab and arrangement by Arnold Buena.
The stories in the Ballet Manila production are based on the Anvil Publishing editions of Severino Reyes’ classics, as retold by author Christine Bellen and illustrated by Panch Alcaraz. The show is sponsored by Bank of Singapore, Island Rose and Star City.
“We’re excited to bring back Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang not only because it celebrates one of the most iconic characters in Philippine literature, but also because it imparts valuable life lessons to the viewers,” enthuses prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, who is also the artistic director of Ballet Manila.
Tickets to the opening night are available through Ticketworld at 891-9999 or through SM Tickets at 470-2222.
Also, subscriptions to Ballet Manila’s 16th performance season are still available. For only P1,900 per person, a season pass includes the Swan Lake Swan Song Series on Oct. 7 and the December 2011 and February 2012 gala concerts.
Alvin Santos as Pedro For inquiries, call Ballet Manila at 400-0292, 525-5967, visit www.balletmanila.ph or e-mail info@balletmanila.ph.
