Ballet Manila revisits 'Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang' on National Children’s Book Day
Classical ballet has always had a strong affinity with literature. Many choreographies began as short stories, plays or novels including Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, and Don Quixote.
It is not surprising that reading is an integral part of Ballet Manila’s advocacy in nurturing young minds that will contribute to the evolution of the arts and humanities. Apart from Western classics, the company has drawn heavily from local literature to create unique masterpieces such as Ibong Adarna and Alamat: Si Sibol at si Gunaw.
As the country celebrates National Children’s Book Day (July 16), we revisit one of Ballet Manila’s most successful choreographies – Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang. Based on three stories written by Severino Reyes as retold by Christine Bellen-Ang – Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon, Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya, and Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin – the ballet anthology had a successful premiere run in 2008 and has returned to the stage many times since then.
Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang made a comeback last May at Aliw Theater as part of Ballet Manila’s 26th performance season called “Ballet Masterpieces.” Featured in this video is a slideshow of photographs from this most recent staging.
