Grace and strength: Katherine Barkman as Ibong Adarna

Beautiful, graceful and light, it is easy to be deceived into believing that the Ibong Adarna is a mere ornament to adorn a palace. But the Adarna bird is a powerful creature - one that can give life or take it away. And as Ballet Manila principal dancer Katherine Barkman grows into the role, we also bear witness to a young woman affirming her own strength and claiming her place under the sun. In this sneak peek, we see the Adarna bird rise and get ready to take flight. Gerardo Francisco’s Ibong Adarna premieres on August 26 at the Aliw Theater.