Ballet Manila Moments: The ultimate battle

The eternal fight between good and evil is the central conflict of Rudy De Dios’ Carmina Burana. The former principal dancer of Ballet Manila took inspiration from Carl Orff’s masterpiece in creating his first full-length choreography for the company’s 24th season. 

Unlike other ballet versions of Carmina Burana, however, Rudy’s interpretation was based on the text of the music to ensure that the lyrics and the movements are all in sync. Set in the mythical city of Tezra, Agape, the supreme being, battles the evil Atheos for the soul of the city’s leader, Solom, and all his people. But the battle is not the end. As one side triumphs over another, the whole cycle begins anew. The result was a rhythmic, fast-paced, visual feast capturing the wide-range of human emotions — from joy to grief, victory to failure, and the ever-present uncertainty. 

This clip comes from the closing performance of Ballet Manila’s 24th season in 2020 with soloists John Balagot and Joshua Enciso as Atheos and the guardian Spero, and principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo as Agape and Solom.