Today, imparting to the younger generation important lessons about life, family, love, forgiveness, or kindness, can become even more effective when it is supported by powerful visual representation. This is the intention behind Gerardo Francisco Jr’s restaging of his award-winning Ibong Adarna at the Aliw Theater in conclusion of Ballet Manila’s 25th performance season during the dates of August 19 and 20, 2023.
Ballet Manila’s re-telling of this Filipino classic, as choreographed by Francisco has received numerous citations since it first premiered in 2017. The acclaimed ballet play was awarded Best Outstanding Production at the 2017 30th Aliw Awards; and at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards which honored it with multiple recognitions. In fact, this 2023 staging is the touring version that was performed at the Karmiel Festival in Israel in 2018 and planned for a national tour in the country in 2020.
Every time the performance is restaged, Francisco says, he is challenged to make it even more magnificent than the last one. As for the dancers, he reminds them to always give their 100%, by dancing from the heart. “Don’t practice just because you want to get it right…instead, you practice until you can’t get it wrong,” he tells them, emphasizing the limited chances that their production can be performed. Despite the difficulty, the veteran danseur and choreographer holds himself to an even higher standard than his fellow ballet dancers.
Because of adjustments brought about by the pandemic – Ballet Manila has fewer dancers, now some will be doing double or triple roles. The set has also transitioned to a digital one—this is to maximize the state-of-the-art LED screen in Aliw Theater. Anyone can see that so much has changed, “but the story remains the same. The story itself is beautiful – it’s timeless…everyone can relate, young or old.”, Francisco Jr. says.
Francisco also vehemently stated that “Today’s generation is exposed to so many different cultures that there may be tendencies for lines to blur and forget one’s core identity,” He further emphasizes, “It is important that we tell this story to preserve our culture…” Francisco Jr. believes that the story of Ibong Adarna can help today’s younger generation rediscover Filipino values of kindness and love of family.
By the end of the show, both Francisco and Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s founder, artistic director, and chief executive officer, share the same sentiments. “I want the audience to come out of the theater having learned new lessons and excited enough to share the beautiful story of Ibong Adarna with their peers,” adds Macuja-Elizalde.
Ibong Adarna will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City on August 19 at 8:00 p.m. and August 20 at 5:00 p.m.. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph
