Sword play

Swords symbolize power, strength, bravery and authority. At the ballet, these implements have figured into the most intense fight scenes – in duels between heroes and villains, in conflicts between opposing factions. They have also become pivotal elements in both dramatic and comical moments. In this lookback, we present the ways Ballet Manila has made a point – literally and figuratively – with swords. Ready, set, on guard!

Conrad (Mark Sumaylo) aims his cutlass at the treacherous Birbanto (Romeo Peralta) in Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s Le Corsaire (2024). Suddenly, the comrades become enemies as the two pirates diverge on what course of action to take. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

In Giselle (2020), the titular character played by Lisa Macuja Elizalde goes mad upon learning of Albrecht’s deception. She holds a sword by its pointy end, swirling it on the ground as gathered family, friends and guests express shock and try to appease her. Photo by Ocs Alvarez

Fancying himself as a knight, Don Quixote (Arnulfo Andrade, right) waves his sword at Gamache (Jonathan Janolo) – Kitri’s unwanted suitor – who similarly seems ready to engage in a duel with the wandering nobleman. But he is playfully carried off by a bunch of toreadors in this humorous scene from Don Quixote (2012). Photo by Jojo Mamangun

A dramatic sword fight ensues between Tybalt (Francis Cascaño) and Mercutio (Elpidio Magat), leading to the latter’s death. The clash unfolds in the Romeo and Juliet Suite, from Sergey Vikulov’s choreography, showcased in East Meets West (2011). Photo by Ocs Alvarez

The Mouse King (Anselmo Dictado) is in fighting form, wielding his sword aloft, with his subordinates by his side. In this scene from The Nutcracker: Clara’s Journey, the recital show of the Lisa Macuja School of Ballet in 2023, he’s ready to duel with the Nutcracker Prince on Christmas Eve. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

Sneaking into Albrecht’s hut, Hilarion (Joshua Enciso) discovers a sword and a cape – proof that Giselle’s suitor is only pretending to be a peasant. Hilarion later exposes the nobleman for who he is, leading to a series of tragic events in Giselle (2019). Photo by Erickson Dela Cruz

What appears to be a harmonious dance is actually a tiff among sword-wielding men aligned either with the Capulets or the Montagues, the warring families in Romeo and Juliet (2007), the ballet inspired by the famous Shakespearean tale. Photo by Ocs Alvarez