Ballet Manila’s ‘Ibong Adarna’: A virtual exhibition
In 2017, the 16th century Filipino epic poem Ibong Adarna was retold through dance, in a groundbreaking full-length production performed by Ballet Manila as choreographed by principal dancer and resident choreographer Gerardo Francisco.
It was the first time for the literary classic, a required reading in high school, to be transformed into a ballet. Francisco rose to the challenge, infusing energy and vigor into a choreography set to the memorable music of composer Diwa de Leon and complemented by the earth-toned production and costume design of Otto Hernandez and the Make it Happen workshop team.
Ibong Adarna follows the search of three princes – Pedro, Diego and Juan – for the mythical bird with a healing voice that would cure their ailing father. The journey of each prince leads to encounters with fascinating characters and creatures such as a hermit, a band of hunters, a tribe of warrior women, twinkling fireflies, playful monkeys and finally, the magical Adarna.
A rift later ensues among the brothers over who should rightfully bring back the captured bird back to the kingdom. The princes engage in a powerful showdown done the ballet way. Pedro and Diego leave Juan in the forest, taking the Adarna with them. The bird, however, refuses to sing and it is only when she sees Juan that she does so and at last heals the king.
Ultimately, the brothers reconcile with the queen’s encouragement and the king’s blessing. Forgiveness and family unity prevail, leading the whole kingdom to celebrate.
Since its world premiere, Ibong Adarna has received numerous awards for Ballet Manila and its dancers. It was also featured at the Karmiel Dance Festival in Israel in 2018, becoming the first full-length Filipino ballet to be staged in an international arts event. The show has consistently reaped applause and praise, with one critic noting: “The production amazed the audience with a never-ending upsurge of visual spectacle, energetic dances and an intense fight scene.”
In 2020, Ballet Manila was set to bring Ibong Adarna on a national tour in a co-production between Project Art and the Manila Broadcasting Company. However, the pandemic and the resulting restrictions on travel, live performances and mass gatherings halted plans.
While the fate of the tour remains uncertain, Project Art presents this Ibong Adarna online exhibition. It showcases images of the cast taken by MarBi Photography, pre-pandemic, which would have been used as part of the promotions for the national tour.
