In Ballet Philippines’ “Crisostomo Ibarra” and “Simoun”, the protagonists of Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” leap off of the page and onto the CCP Main Theater stage for one weekend only. Both shows feature original music by Jed Balsamo, choreography by Paul Alexander Morales, and the live performance of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra – a quintet for “Crisostomo Ibarra” and the full orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga for “Simoun”.
Told through the language of dance, the narration takes the audience into the psychological worlds of the novels’ protagonists and strips bare the epic story that underscores the continuing relevance of Rizal’s work. The year 2016 marks the 120th death anniversary of the national hero, and the 125th anniversary of the publication of “El Filibusterismo”. This production is supported by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Paul Alexander Morales and Jed Balsamo are the moving forces of BP’s “Crisostomo Ibarra” and “Simoun”. They also recently collaborated in Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s “Kanser@30: the Musical”, which Morales choreographed and Balsamo composed music for.
Premiered in 2010, “Crisostomo Ibarra” highlights the life of an idealist reformer, a man striving to make a change in a society living under corruption and oppression. It takes an introspective look at the life of a hero sacrificing his personal happiness for love of country. The ballet was awarded the distinction of Outstanding Dance Production at the 2010 Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.
“Simoun” is a world premiere, presenting a fresh take on the motivations, dreams, and fears of the cynical and vengeful lead character described as a saboteur, giving insight and depth to his actions. The ballet highlights themes that are still palpable and relevant to today’s audiences – cynicism versus hope and the constant challenge of stagnation or change and revolution.
Top-billing “Simoun” are Ballet Philippines dancers Jean Marc Cordero, Denise Parungao, Rita Angela Winder, Erl Sorilla, Garry Corpuz, and Jemima Reyes. “Crisostomo Ibarra” features Victor Maguad, Monica Amanda Gana, Jessa Tangalin, Eugene Obille, Ramon Victoria, and Ballet Philippines II.
“Crisostomo Ibarra” will be performed on October 21 at 3:00PM, October 22 at 2:00PM, and October 23 at 10:00AM, and “Simoun” on October 21 at 8:00PM, October 22 at 6:00PM, and October 23 at 3:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Ticket prices range from Php 2000 to Php 300, with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.
Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines
Twitter: @balletph
Instagram: @balletphilippines
YouTube: balletph
To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #CrisostomoIbarra, #Simoun
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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