Christmas Flashback: An angel comes to earth in ‘Kutitap’

Ballet Manila has staged the popular holiday ballet The Nutcracker repeatedly, with its whimsical tale of a nutcracker-turned-prince, a sugar plum fairy and dancing snowflakes. Apart from that staple, the company has also enjoyed unwrapping original productions that reflect the spirit of a true Filipino Christmas. We revisit these locally flavored vignettes that have not only brought cheer but offered thoughtful messages and valuable lessons so perfect for the season.

Kutitap, which premiered in December 2011, is the story of an angel who comes down to earth to see what is happening among mankind. Disguised as a cripple, he interacts with people from all walks of life until his true identity is revealed. Kutitap was a joint choreographic work of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Osias Barroso, Rudy De Dios, Gerardo Francisco, Niño Guevarra, Michael Divinagracia, Ricardo Mallari, Romeo Peralta and Roduardo Ma, danced to the tune of unforgettable Christmas carols as arranged by Arnold Buena. The heartwarming tale has been restaged numerous times in the years since.

Photos by Ocs Alvarez

Supporting himself with a crutch, the angel (Alvin Santos) ambles on to the stage. What would life on earth be like for a cripple like him?

The angel finds himself in a gritty urban community where people, in the face of struggles, still know how to appreciate simple joys. He is touched to be welcomed by strangers, willing to help him along.

Taken to a ballet studio where one of his newfound friends is a teacher, the angel gets to “dance,” thanks to a group of young ballerinas who move him on a swivel chair.

Since it is Christmastime, many Filipinos have come home to enjoy the festive season with loved ones. 

An overseas worker distributes pasalubong to his family, and even has a gift for the disabled man who had become part of the community. 

When the driver who ran over him reappears and gives him a new pair of crutches as his amends, the angel soon reveals his true self.

The good-hearted people who had become the angel’s friends and family, even if temporarily, wave farewell to him.

The angel returns to heaven with a reinforced faith in mankind, having experienced compassion and generosity while also getting to laugh, celebrate  and even dance with them.