“Something magical happens when artists come together!”
Ballet Manila Premieres "Florante at Laura," a new production featuring renowned Filipino artists. The show is a retelling of the classic Filipino literary work. The landmark production brings together some of the country’s finest dance and musical artists for a world premiere that spotlights yet another Filipino literary masterpiece.
Ballet Manila's creative director, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, couldn't contain her excitement when asked about Florante's upcoming world premiere at Laura.
The outstanding production, which follows the ballet company's highly successful Ibong Adarna, will be performed at the Aliw Theater on October 12, 2024, at 8 p.m., and on October 13 and 19, 2024, at 5 p.m. Florante at Laura will bring together some of the country's most renowned creatives in music, literature, ballet, and stage production.
A collaboration of masters in their craft
“Florante at Laura was a project that was going to be Gerardo Francisco’s next epic adventure. This was planned way before the pandemic happened. I was so very thrilled when National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab said yes! That’s why we work so hard every day – to create art that people will want to watch again and again.” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila's Creative Director
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Gerardo is the dance company’s longtime principal dancer and co-artistic associate, who also choreographed the award-winning Ibong Adarna. Working with him is the exemplary British choreographer Martin Lawrance who is behind Ballet Manila’s full length innovative retelling of Romeo and Juliet in the Filipino setting.
“Clear communication, thorough discussions, and mutual support were crucial in keeping us on track. We just seem to click and bounce ideas off of each other. It has so far been a very fruitful collaboration. Communication has been the key!” ~Gerardo Francisco, Dance Company’s longtime Principal Dancer and co-artistic Associate
From the collaboration between Gerardo and Martin, the intricate pieces to this masterpiece of a production started falling into place when Lisa invited renowned writer and balagtasan expert Professor Michael Coroza as a guest in her show, Art 2 Art, where she asked him to watch Ibong Adarna. “I then invited Michael to collaborate with Gerardo and Martin Lawrence to create the libretto for Florante at Laura.”
Soon after, the quest for a composer began. Lisa imagined someone who can create original compositions akin to a Filipino Tchaikovsky—sweeping, dramatic, powerful, and romantic.
One of the Pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Ryan Cayabyab, was named National Artist for Music in 2018 with an extensive body of work ranging from orchestras and full-length musical productions to television and commercials.
“It had been quite some time since I wrote a large musical work. “Most important before I start creating music is the mutual understanding among the other creatives and the producer regarding style and medium of music. Everything is a surprise and wonder for me. I challenged myself into accepting this landmark ballet production, and I hope that it becomes an important legacy for all of us involved in it.” ~Ryan Cayabyab, One of the Pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), National Artist for Music in 2018
Despite being a seasoned composer and musician, Ryan was thrilled to work with fellow creatives.
Breathing life into his original compositions is the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) under the baton of his son, Toma Cayabyab—another dream fulfilled for Ryan.
An epic production with mesmerizing visuals
Florante at Laura, a work of literary art by Filipino poet Francisco "Balagtas" Baltasar, was released in 1838 and tells the tale of Florante, a duke who was taken prisoner and sold into slavery by the Turks. However, with Aladin's assistance, he was able to escape his captors and make his way back to Albania, where he faced off against the usurper Count Adolfo, sought atonement, and was reunited with his beloved Laura.
Ballet Manila enlisted the help of important actors who have appeared in numerous domestic and international productions over the years in order to translate the story's universal themes of love, betrayal, and friendship into dramatic visuals. Set designer Mio Infante clarified that his creations represent more than just the story's real location.
“This epic ballet includes a diverse set of locations, which not only serve as physical spaces but also symbolize the internal and external conflicts of the characters, as well as broader themes of love, war, loyalty, and betrayal.” ~Mio Infante, Set Designer
Complementing his designs are the stunning costumes from Make It Happen, led by Otto Hernandez & Therese Arroyo Hernandez.
“Costumes play a crucial role in conveying the story and message of a production. It can contribute to the overall visual aesthetics, help define characters, evoke emotions, and enhance the audience's understanding of the narrative.” ~Otto Hernandez & Therese Arroyo Hernandez, designs are the stunning costumes from Make It Happen
Meanwhile, lighting director John Batalla emphasizes the importance of using a distinct lighting color palette to differentiate the varied locales of Florante and Laura.
“Mood is certainly a major part of the themes that lighting has to tackle in a production such as this in order to transport the audiences to a different time and far-away places.” ~John Batalla, Lighting Director
Expect more from Ballet Manila
As one of the country’s leading dance companies, Ballet Manila has been known for its keen eye for excellence and artistry. Even though it has produced numerous award-winning shows, Lisa's leadership will ensure that the audience continues to see top-notch performances.
Show Dates:
October 12, 2024 - 8:00 p.m.
October 13, 2024 - 5:00 p.m.
October 19, 2024 - 5:00 p.m.
Tickets for “Florante At Laura” are now available through Ticketworld. Direct links to buy tickets: https://bit.ly/BMFloranteAtLauraBuyTickets
For bulk ticket orders (50 or more), email balletmanilamarketing@gmail.com
But for now, she wishes the audience to bask in the magical greatness of Florante at Laura.
All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
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