6 Ballet Manila shows to look forward to this year

Ballet Manila also brings well-loved Filipino tales to life with Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang on May 11 at 8pm and May 12 and 18 at 5pm. They partnered with Anvil Publishing for this production to keep renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes’s legacy alive.

“The idea to create a ballet from the Anvil Publishing books of Mga Kuwento Ni Lola Basyang came about during my children’s book fair,” Macuja Elizalde recalls. “I saw the entire collection of children’s books displayed in their school library, and I bought all 12. Then, I called a meeting with my artistic team. I put all 12 books on the table and told them to choose one to make into a ballet.”

Finding all stories worth sharing with a broad audience, their artistic team narrowed their offering this year to three impactful stories. They eventually ended up with stories centred on romance, adventure and comedy. Thus, Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang was born.

Anvil Publishing president Xandra Ramos Padilla considers Ballet Manila’s staging of the Lola Basyang series an excellent opportunity to instil pride among local theatregoers. “We hope it reaches and inspires more people to appreciate and support different forms of local art and culture. An original Filipino story performed through dance is something that the Philippines can be proud of,” she says, adding that Lola Basyang’s stories are “well and widely loved by generations because they teach values and help instil a child’s love for reading.”

Adding even more buzz to the show is performing artist Mitch Valdes, who will be taking on the role of Lola Basyang. Having been active in the local theatre and entertainment scene for over 50 years, the seasoned singer and actress has played highly-acclaimed roles in well-publicised productions such as Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo, where she won a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress. 

This time, audiences will see her perform Lola Basyang with her signature wit and humour. Asked how she will make her character different, Mitch laughingly replies: “I will ask [Macuja Elizalde] if Lola Basyang can get up from her rocking chair for some choreography. Maybe up on pointe for five seconds.”

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Completing the 26th performance season is Giselle—an ethereal, romantic ballet that tackles love and loss. Watch it on August 31 at 8pm until September 1 at 5pm.

“I think calling our 2024 performance season ‘Ballet Masterpieces’ is spot on because of the featured ballets,” says Macuja Elizalde. “Le Corsaire and Giselle are full-length classical ballet masterpieces, while Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will feature three stories in one show. I love how our season will have two major classics!”

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For the rest of the year, Ballet Manila will showcase its unwavering artistry and excellence with the world premiere of Gerardo Francisco’s and Martin Lawrance’s cutting-edge version of Florante at Laura on October 12, 13, and 19. 

Audiences will once again witness Gerardo Francisco’s iteration of the Filipino classical tale Ibong Adarna in November as well, through its continuing partnership with Aréte Ateneo. 

To cap off the year, the ballet company continues to celebrate its tradition of bringing the spirit of Christmas spirit alive through its Holiday Cheer Series. Marvel at Macuja-Elizalde’s take on Snow White to be staged from December 25 to 30.

Catch these performances at Aliw Theatre, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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