Cover Jemima Reyes as Swanhilda and Rudolph Capongcol as Franz (Photo: Larry Salgado)
Jemima Reyes as Swanhilda and Rudolph Capongcol as Franz (Photo: Larry Salgado)
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Ballet Philippines’ 54th season opener ‘Coppelia’ is a classic comic ballet that showcased the company’s strength and stamina in classical techniques
The recently concluded 54th season of Ballet Philippines (BP) opened strongly last year with an original full-length production of the classic comic ballet Coppelia. BP’s artistic director, Mikhail Martynyuk, premiered his own choreography of Charles-Louis Etienne Nuttier’s Coppelia on the Philippine stage.
A dazzling spectacle held at the Theatre at Solaire featuring BP’s dancers all dolled up, Coppelia tells the story of Dr Coppélius, an inventor who created a beautiful life-sized, mechanical doll named Coppelia. Set into music by Léo Delibes, this new interpretation of the classic comic ballet featured the core dancers of BP in leading and supporting roles and a budding generation of ballerinas from its reputable dance school.
Read more: Ballet Philippines’ ‘Limang Daan’ views and reviews Philippine history through the female lens
Above BP president Kathleen Liechtenstein (Photo: Larry Salgado)
BP president Kathleen Liechtenstein (Photo: Larry Salgado)
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With the 54th season titled “The Power of Dance”, BP kept its promise of showcasing the mastery in technique, style, and character that the country’s premier dance company was known for. By opening the season with a classical piece, BP set the tone for the season, leaving its patrons with the expectation of seeing significant progress among its members since its return from the pandemic.
“[Ballet Philippines] presented this classic ballet piece 15 years ago,” the ballet company’s president, Kathleen Liechtenstein, said in her speech. “And now we meet with Coppelia again, this time [she is] bolder, funnier, and sassier. Tonight is about the hard work and skill our core dancers have developed through rigid training and discipline—a testament to the distinct power, style, and technique of Ballet Philippines.”
Above The Ballet Philippines company performing the town square scene of ‘Coppelia’ (Photo: Larry Salgado)
The Ballet Philippines company performing the town square scene of ‘Coppelia’ (Photo: Larry Salgado)
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The pair of young lovers, Swanhilda and Franz, are at the forefront of Coppelia’s timeless tale. Their plans to marry were thwarted when Coppelia, the life-sized doll that watches the town from her room’s window, captured Franz’s attention. To win her one true love back, Swanhilda pretends to be a doll.
For the gala performance, Martynyuk cast Jemima Reyes in the leading roles of Swanhilda, Rudolph Capongcol as Franz, Idelle Buhia as Coppelia, and Peter San Juan as Dr Coppélius.
Above Peter San Juan as Dr Coppélius and Idelle Buhia as Coppelia
Peter San Juan as Dr Coppélius and Idelle Buhia as Coppelia
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The timeless piece holds a special place in Martynyuk’s heart, having played the role of Franz for his first professional performance. After that milestone debut, he performed the same role more than 20 times around Europe. “I know every step and note from start to finish,” Martynyuk said.
Read more: A Ballerina’s Journey: Jemima Reyes on why it’s not for the faint of heart
Above A scene in ‘Coppelia’ (Photo: Larry Salgado)
A scene in ‘Coppelia’ (Photo: Larry Salgado)
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Above A scene in ‘Coppelia’ (Photo: Larry Salgado)
A scene in ‘Coppelia’ (Photo: Larry Salgado)
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BP’s Coppelia is best remembered for its lightheartedness, witty expressions that amused audiences ranging from kids to adults, and the feel-good energy radiated by each of its performers. Although Reyes stood out as the ballet’s lead, with a beautiful pas de deux with Capongcol, the production’s highlight was the synergy of its cast.
This classical piece subtly touched on themes like mental health, self-love, and acceptance. “Coppelia compels us to ask: Can technology take the place of true, authentic human connection? Coppelia is a radiant ballet exuding everything about positivity and love. Love that reminds us to look beyond surface beauty and embrace our perfect imperfections,” Liechtenstein said.
In order to extend this whimsical tale to as much audience as possible, BP invited children from the Philippine Cancer Society Outreach Program, Sisters of Mary School, Children of Hope Foundation, Batang K (under Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko), St Theresa’s Foundation of Quezon City, as well as youth from Barangay San Martin de Porres in Parañaque City, among others, to watch the weekend performances. Moreover, the company also extended its invitation to men and women in the military, navy, and air force. This was all made possible by the company’s programmes: Share the Magic, which aims to uplift spirits and bring inspiration to those whose minds are in their formative years; and Men in Uniform, which aims to pay tribute to the men and women in the service through the arts.
Relive the magic of Coppelia on Ballet Philippines’ YouTube channel. See how Ballet Philippines showcased some of its strengths as a company while the country’s theatre scene continues to revive its vitality post-pandemic.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
