Ballet Manila presents all-Filipino Christmas show

MANILA, Philippines - Traditionally, in the ballet world, The Nutcracker is considered a Christmas staple with its whimsical tale of toys that come to life, a sugar plum fairy, and dancing mice and snowflakes. While that will remain a holiday classical favorite for many, Ballet Manila has been making waves these past few years with its very own Filipino Christmas productions.

It all started with Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, the first ballet interpretation of tales from the iconic storyteller in Philippine literature as penned by Severino Reyes and retold by Christine Bellen. Audiences were captivated by the enchantment-filled production, featuring a love story wherein a princess falls in love with a bird (Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon), a hero journeys in search of his bewitched sisters (Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya), and a young man who uses his magical violin in a classic retelling of the triumph of good over evil (Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin).

“We were hopeful that the show would be received well because every Filipino is familiar with Lola Basyang. But we didn’t expect that it would become such a blockbuster!” enthuses Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, artistic director and principal ballerina of Ballet Manila.

Indeed, Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang drew thousands upon thousands of viewers so that it not only called for an extended run. It has since been remounted several times over since its initial presentation.

Encouraged by the show’s success, Lisa and her thinktank, including artistic associate Osias Barroso, thought that they should continue to do more full-length Filipino productions geared for families especially during the Christmas season. Thus came about Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw, based on the children’s story of Palanca winner Ed Maranan.

Again using original choreography set to Filipino music, Ballet Manila this time breathed life into the environmental tale wherein twins Sibol and Gunaw engage in a fight to nurture or destroy nature, with their mother, the goddess Luningning — tasked to preserve Mother Earth — eventually stepping in.

Again, the potent mix of myth and magic as told in dance drew sizable crowds for Ballet Manila that Christmas. “We always want to surprise our audiences. Si Sibol at Si Gunaw was not only highly entertaining, but very timely in theme as well. Creating a ballet that teaches our children to preserve the environment was, simply put, a good thing to do,” notes Macuja-Elizalde.

This year, Ballet Manila put together Maligayang Christmas, a mix of classics and new Filipino choreograhies including the all-Filipino Christmas ballet Kutitap. After the production’s recent run at the Aliw Theater, Kutitap is now being seen as a regular feature at the Star Theatre for the entire holiday season.

The half-hour program features the entire company of Ballet Manila recreating scenes that spell Christmas to the Filipino people—from the traditional Simbang Gabi and Noche Buena, to the more recent experience of waiting for loved ones to come home to celebrate the holidays with family and friends after years of working overseas. As one critic put it, “Kutitap with its hidden Christmas message is ballet based on Philippine reality.”

Kutitap is a joint choreographic work by Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Osias Barroso, Rudy De Dios, Gerardo Francisco, Nino Guevarra, Michael Divinagracia, Ricardo Mallari, Romeo Peralta and Roduardo Ma, danced to the tune of unforgettable Christmas carols masterfully arranged by Arnold Buena.

“We are happy to present our Pinoy audiences with this heartwarming show that we know will strike a chord with them especially at Christmas which symbolizes family togetherness, love and sharing,” says Macuja-Elizalde. “They can expect more all-Filipino holiday productions from Ballet Manila that will not only bring them cheer, but also offer them thoughtful messages for reflection and valuable lessons for the young generation.”

Kutitap will continue to regale audiences throughout the Christmas season with the following schedule: Dec. 26 to 30, at 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 1, 2012, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. For information, call 832-3713.