Ballet Manila’s ‘Ibong Adarna’ flexes its wings in Dumaguete
Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna is the Silliman University Culture and Arts Council’s final show for National Arts Month.
After winning raves for the purely classical Swan Lake last year, Ballet Manila is all set to return to Dumaguete with its award-winning blockbuster ballet – Ibong Adarna.
Principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro – who originated the titular role of Ibong Adarna in its premiere run in 2017 – flexes her wings once more as Ballet Manila brings the literary epic to Dumaguete. Photo by MarBi Photography
The dance adaptation of the Filipino literary classic, choreographed by co-artistic associate Gerardo Francisco Jr., will go on stage on February 26, 27 and 28 at Silliman University’s Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium with three casts alternating in a total of six shows.
Audiences can expect a combination of visual spectacle, energetic dances and an intense fight scene, winning elements of Ibong Adarna that one critic cited in a review.
Principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro, who assumed the titular role of the mythical bird when Ibong Adarna premiered in 2017 at Aliw Theater, once again dons her wings. Debuting in the role are principal dancers Jessica Pearl Dames and Shaira Comeros.
The kind-hearted prince, Don Juan, will be played by principal dancer Joshua Enciso, who shares the role with soloists Anselmo Dictado and Rafael Perez. Perez is dancing the part for the first time.
Principal dancers Mark Sumaylo and Romeo Peralta Jr. will once again play the villainous older princes, Don Pedro and Don Diego, respectively. Soloist Noah Esplana will debut as Don Pedro.
Performing as the understanding queen, Reyna Valeriana, is soloist Rissa May Camaclang while the ailing king, Haring Fernando, is portrayed by Oscar Agot.
As the eldest prince, Don Pedro, principal dancer Mark Sumaylo shows his strength and might in this scene from Ibong Adarna. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
Since its world premiere in 2017, Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna – the first dance adaptation of the 16th century epic poem – has been restaged numerous times. It was brought to Israel as a featured presentation in the Karmiel International Dance Festival in 2018, becoming the first full-length Filipino ballet to be staged in an international arts event.
Principal dancer Romeo Peralta Jr. reprises his role as the second brother, Don Diego. Photo by MarBi Photography
It has also won multiples honors, including as the Best Dance Production at the 2017 Aliw Awards and six trophies at the 2018 Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.
Sharing the role of the kind prince, Don Juan, are principal dancer Joshua Enciso (left) and soloist Anselmo Dictado. Photos by MarBi Photography
Ibong Adarna follows the search of three princes – Pedro, Diego and Juan – for the mythical bird with a healing voice that would cure their bed-ridden father. Each prince embarks on a journey to find the bird, encountering a host of interesting 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.
Principal dancers Jessica Pearl Dames (left) and Shaira Comeros, who previously danced as Amazonas in Ibong Adarna, will make their debut as the mythical bird. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
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 – who was able to resist succumbing to her voice – that she does so and at last heals the king.
Soloist Rafael Perez makes the transition from hunter (above) to the lead role of Don Juan. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
In the end, the brothers reconcile, thanks to the queen’s encouragement and the king’s blessing, leading to a celebration in the whole kingdom. Forgiveness and family unity are the prevailing themes that have made Ibong Adarna relatable, while its choreography and overall production values have wowed audiences and won critical acclaim.
For ticket inquiries and reservations, contact the Silliman University Culture and Arts Council at cac@su.edu.ph, 09073691338, (035) 422-1901 loc. 522, or visit the CAC Office (2/F COPVA II, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Soloist Rissa May Camaclang (right) plays Donya Valeriana anew while soloist Noah Esplana – who was cast as the hermit before – debuts as Don Pedro in Dumaguete. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
