Lisa Macuja-Elizalde: ‘You can’t cheat in the classics.’
Ballet is, of course, the dance of the classics. While it has not been immune to 20th century innovations — the time when the arts and their values were appraised and contested — ballet has largely preserved the purity and clarity of its movements and forms, its deep affinity with tradition and the past. Its beautiful and exact language has continued to communicate to audiences, proof of which is Ballet Manila that has recently launched its 21st season.
The new season, called “Revenge of the Classics,” offers a re-staging of Rebel: EDSA 30, dubbed as a “modern classic,” and three classical ballet productions. Expected to make the heart of the audience soar are “The Swan, The Fairy and The Princess” that features excerpts from Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty; Cinderella that takes flight with the music of Rodger and Hammerstein and the Disney animation film; and Don Quixote that puts a spotlight on the whimsical characters of the Miguel De Cervantes novel.
Groomed in the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet style of dancing, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, artistic director and CEO of Ballet Manila, has always made it a point to stage classical ballets in its home at the Aliw Theater. Her mentor at the academy, Tatiana Udalenkova, told her that classics make the dancers and the dance company become strong and stay strong.
The cast of Rebel: EDSA 30 starring Katherine Barkman, Rudy de Dios, Gerardo Francisco and Tiffany Chiang. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde plays Inang Bayan.
“This season, we have lifted it up three notches, maybe five notches,” she said during the launch of “Revenge of the Classics” last Thursday. “We are staging a full ballet season on the classics.”
The prima ballerina stressed that they do not take the word “classics” lightly as Ballet Manila’s performances follow and embody the highest standards of the dance. “You cannot cheat in the classics,” Lisa said. “It is very hard to disguise mistakes when you are dancing classical ballet. I’m very proud of the fact that Ballet Manila doesn’t simplify our classical ballet choreographies. We stay true to what has been choreographed hundreds of years ago.”
Kicking off the season is Rebel: EDSA 30, which premiered early this year. A graceful interpretation of the People Power Revolution set against the music of Spartacus, the production features classical ballet at its heart, showcasing the capacity of the dance to convey the emotions, tensions and subtleties told by the some of the most important characters of the modern historical narrative. Choreographed by British choreographer Martin Lawrance, the production will feature Joanna Ampil as the voice of Inang Bayan, and performances by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of maestro Gerard Salonga. Show schedules are Aug. 19, 20, and 27 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 21 and 28 at 3 p.m.
In October, the dance company will stage “The Swan, The Fairy and The Princess,” which showcases excerpts from three of the most celebrated works of master composer Peter Tchaikovsky. “You can’t be more classical than that,” Lisa said. Musical scores will be performed by the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of maestro Alexander Vikulov. Kremlin Ballet Theater’s premier danseur, Mikhail Martynyuk, and Miguel Faustmann, who will assume the role of Peter Tchaikovsky, are the featured performers. Show schedules are Oct. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 16 at 3 p.m.
Abigail Oliveiro stars as Cinderella in this retelling of the classic with music from Rodger and Hammerstein and the Disney animation film.
A retelling of a well-loved story that promises to stay true to the animated feature that has touched generations of young girls and boys, Cinderella sets the stage for the first major choreographic collaboration of Osias Barroso and Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. Show dates are Nov. 25, 26 and Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. “There is something magical about ballet,” said Abigail Olivereiro, who will assume the title role. “The fact that the company has decided to go with the Disney version of Cinderella makes it even more magical.”
The 21st season will conclude with Don Quixote, which Lisa calls “one of the world’s most-loved and technically challenging ballets.” The audience will be acquainted with chivalry-obsessed Don Quixote, his faithful servant, Sancho Panzo, and young lovers, Kitri and Basilio. “Kitri is a role that is really close to my heart because it is my signature role from way back. I first performed it in Russia in 1986,” Lisa said. Mikhail Martynyuk once again joins Ballet Manila in this production. Show dates are Feb. 24 and 25, 2017 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 3 p.m.
With the formidable lineup of performances in Revenge of the Classics, Lisa hopes for the audience to become season-pass subscribers and not just last-minute ticket buyers. “It’s not in our culture to buy tickets six months before performance,” she said. “If we do that now, we get it for half the price. That’s how we can start getting more support for the arts…Let us start the support within ourselves by getting our tickets, paying for our tickets and coming to and enjoying the performance.”
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All performances will be held at the Aliw Theater in CCP Complex, Pasay City. For information about the shows, including ticket prices and schedules, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. For details on the company’s Season Subscription Programs, which offer up to 50 percent discount on ticket prices, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph/balletmanila/Online/ and click on ‘View Details’ under ‘Season Subscription Program’.
