Ballet Manila once again delves into the enchanting tales of Lola Basyang, captivating audiences with a world of mesmerizing dance, captivating music, and stunning visuals in “Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang,” set to grace the stage of Aliw Theater from May 11, 2024, at 8 PM, and on May 12 & 18, 2024, at 5 PM.
As the second show of Ballet Manila’s 26th Performance Season, aptly named “Ballet Masterpieces,” “Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang” draws inspiration from Severino Reyes’ stories, retold by Christine Bellen Ang and published by Anvil Publishing. These three tales, a blend of romance, adventure, and comedy, touch on timeless themes like loyalty, family commitment, humility, and the enduring power of love.
Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s artistic director and chief executive officer, explained the selection process: “We chose three stories out of twelve Lola Basyang books. It was an interesting process because there were so many great tales worth sharing. But in the end, we felt that the themes we chose can truly resonate with an audience across many generations.”
Xandra Ramos Padilla, president of Anvil Publishing, expressed excitement about bringing these beloved stories to life through ballet: “As a publishing company known for producing books about Philippine culture, we feel it is our duty to ensure that the magic of these stories is not lost among the younger generation.”
Mitch Valdes, a seasoned performer with over 50 years of experience, takes on the role of Lola Basyang, breathing life into the beloved character. Valdes expressed pride in showcasing Filipino folklore on stage: “We’re familiar with all the international classics, but this is a rare chance to see one of our beloved folklore stories come to life in classical ballet.”
The production unfolds with “Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon,” choreographed by the late Osias Barroso Jr., Ballet Manila’s co-artistic director until his passing in December 2023. The story follows the romantic journey of a princess and a prince in bird form, with music arranged by Mon Faustino using compositions of national artists.
Next, “Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria,” choreographed by Lisa Macuja Elizalde, delves into the consequences of greed, featuring music composed by Filipino music legend Joey Ayala. The production showcases the cultural diversity of the Philippines through a fusion of folk dances from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Finally, “Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin,” choreographed by the late Tony Fabella, tells the story of Rodrigo and a magical violin, with music composed by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab. The ballet offers a deeper appreciation for Filipino culture and traditions, inviting audiences to reflect on valuable life lessons.
“Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang” promises to be a celebration of Philippine culture and storytelling, bridging the gap between generations and instilling a newfound appreciation for our vibrant heritage.
All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph
