Ballet Philippines' Rama Hari: A Sure Hit

Lyrics by Bienvenido Lumbera. Music by Ryan Cayabyab. Choreography by Alice Reyes. This is so far the most exciting and impressive Ballet Philippines’ production this year.

To be staged at the last month of the year, the hit pop ballet musical based on the Indian epic Ramayana promises a stunning set production at the CCP main theater, graced by a powerhouse cast: Christian Bautista, Karylle, and Ballet Philippines’ critically acclaimed principal dancers, including Jean Marc Cordero, the Special Jury Prize Winner for Best Pas de Deux Technique at the 2012 Helsinki International Ballet Competition, in leading roles.

At the recently concluded Rama Hari Press Preview, I was struck by the live performances of the excerpts from the production and cannot wait to see it this November/December. Here's a glimpse of Karylle as Sita and Christian Bautista as Rama, with Ballet Philippines' lead dancers:

Rama Hari is a definite must-see for ballet, theater, and musical enthusiasts. Let us close this year with a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

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"Rama, Hari" returns to CCP in November

Guest post by Ballet Philippines

Karylle and Christian Bautista as Sita and Rama, respectively.

“Rama, Hari,”the hit pop ballet musical based on the Indian epic Ramayana, is returning to the CCP stage this November, with a powerhouse cast of the country's best singers and dancers.

This year's staging of “Rama, Hari” will star Christian Bautista and Karylle in the lead roles Rama and Sita, backed by an equally powerhouse cast of the country's leading theater actors and singers: Robert Seña as the demon Ravana, OJ Mariano (alternating as Rama), KalilaAguilos (alternating as Sita), Christian Rey Marbella, Noel Rayos, LaniLigot, Amparo Sietereales, and Brezhnev Larlar.

Ballet Philippines' principal dancers Jean Marc Cordero and Richardson Yadao will essay the role of Rama and Carissa Adea and Katherine Trofeo as Sita.

Jean Marc Cordero and Carissa Adea

"Rama, Hari" is Ballet Philippines' third production this year, following the staging of "Songs" and "Neo-Filipino: Anting.”

Ballet Philippines' Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales says that what makes "Rama, Hari" special, then and now, is the great collaboration work done by the best Filipino artists on the production, including two national artists.

Choreographed by Ballet Philippines' founder Alice Reyes, the ballet musical was set to music of maestro Ryan Cayabyab, while National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera wrote the libretto and National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal did the set and costume design.

L-R: BP Artistic Director Paul Morales, Ryan Cayabyab. Alice Reyes, and Bienvenido Lumbera

  

The lyrics of “Rama, Hari” are in Filipino, but there will be English subtitles during the performance, translated by National Artist Rolando Tinio.

Ballet Philippines first staged “Rama, Hari” in 1980 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines with Basil Valdez and KuhLedesma as the voices behind Rama and Sita, respectively. Leo Valdez portrayed the role of the evil demon Ravana.

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 Rama, Hari will have 10 performances from November 30 to December 9 at the CCP Main Theater, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra playing live. For tickets and inquiries, call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Visit www.ballet.ph or www.facebook.com/balletphilippines.