Under Construction: The curtain rises on Ballet Manila’s action-packed Florante at Laura
Nothing could be more thrilling than the anticipation for a world premiere of a full-length ballet! This October, Ballet Manila will be unveiling its own version of the Filipino literary classic, Florante at Laura.
The masterpiece of Francisco Baltazar, otherwise known as Balagtas, tells the tale of two kingdoms, two couples, and friendships that endure. It is a story taught to every Filipino teen to impress upon the youth the values that shaped the nation.
Leading the charge for Ballet Manila’s Florante at Laura are co-artistic associate and principal dancer Gerardo Francisco Jr. and British choreographer Martin Lawrance. Francisco Jr. was the choreographer behind the critically acclaimed Ibong Adarna while Lawrance held the reins for the successful Filipino adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
Principal dancers Joshua Enciso and Abigail Oliveiro take on the title roles of Florante and Laura. Principal dancer Mark Sumaylo is Sultan Ali-Adab while company artists Stephanie Santiago and Noah Esplana are Flerida and Aladin. Soloists Anselmo Dictado and John Balagot are Menandro and Heneral Osmalik.
Though still in its early stages, we get a sneak peek into the opening sequence of Florante at Laura – an action-packed choreography created on the music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab that sets the stage for the adventure ahead.
