Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Ballet Philippines presents Neo-Filipino













BALLET PHILIPPINES PRESENTS ITS FINAL
PRODUCTION OF THE 2008 – 2009 SEASON

NEO - FILIPINO

March 13 – 15, 2009
Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino
Cultural Center of the Philippines

Featuring works by
ALICE REYES – MAX LUNA III – ALDEN LUGNASIN


MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In the final program of its rousing 39th Anniversary Season, Ballet Philippines pays homage to the vast riches of the Filipino cultural heritage in NEO – FILIPINO with the revival of a repertory favorite and two world premieres. Highlights include the highly anticipated revival of founding artistic director, Alice Reyes' Amada. Inspired by National Artist Nick Joaquin's Tadtarin and Summer Solstice, Amada explores the mysteries of the Tadtarin ritual. Live music by Kalayo (formerly Pinikpikan) will serve as inspiration for the world premiere of KatiTaog by Ballet Philippines' Artistic Director, Max Luna III - his first work created especially for the company. The world premiere of Ulaging – Daog-dog Sa Sang Libong Kulog by BP Resident Choreographer, Alden Lugnasin, draws on a fusion of live music, ethnic instruments, movement, drama and contemporary dance to expose the plight of the indigenous Lumads of Mindanao.

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TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticket World Outlets: +632 891 9999
CCP Box Office: +632 832 3704
Ballet Philippines: +632 551-0221/551-1003/832-3689/832-6011

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE:
Money saving season subscriptions are still available, for as little as P3200, from Ballet Philippines. BP is pleased to once again offer discounts to Students with ID (50% off), Seniors (20% off) and Groups of 20 or More (20% off). Special discount rates are also available for School Groups.

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This production of Neo – Filipino is made possible in part thanks to the support of Ayala Land Premiere, Globe Telecom, Rene Barbier and Freixenet Cava Wines




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ON THE PROGRAM

Amada – REVIVAL
Music: Lucrecia Kasilag
Choreography: Alice Reyes

In the Philippines, Spanish Catholicism was absorbed and mixed with local pagan rites and rituals. One of the more primitive ones was that of the "Tadtarin" which was practiced once a year during the Summer Solstice at the Feast of Saint John. It was a Dionysian festival where women reigned supreme for three days and the men who participated could do so by wearing some female garb as a symbol of subservience.

KatiTaog – WORLD PREMIERE
Music: Kalayo
Choreography: Max Luna III

The traditional Pangalay of the Tausūg people of the Sulu Archipelago serves as inspiration for Mr. Luna’s exciting live-music collaboration with Kalayo.

Ulaging – Daog-dog Sa Sang Libong Kulog – WORLD PREMIERE
Choreography: Alden Lugnasin

Resident Choreographer, Alden Lugnasin, draws on a fusion of ethnic instruments, movements, drama and contemporary dance to explore the environmental issues facing the indigenous Lumads of Mindanao.


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ABOUT BALLET PHILIPPINES

Founded in 1969 by Alice Reyes with the support of Eddie Elejar and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Ballet Philippines (BP) is widely recognized today as a cornerstone of Filipino cultural identity. Its audience represents a cross-section of Manila’s populace, including local and international visitors. Touring internationally, the company presents indigenous Filipino creations as well as uniquely Filipino interpretations of internationally recognized masterworks. Each year its outreach and educational programs introduce new generations of audience members not only to dance, but also to music and the visual arts. BP’s official school, the CCP Dance School, continues to produce dancers of international caliber. As the resident dance company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines is globally recognized as the flagship company in ballet and contemporary dance.With a treasure trove of over 400 works, Ballet Philippines’ wide ranging, eclectic repertory is unparalleled in Asia. From full-length classical ballets and internationally recognized masterworks to indigenous works of Filipino folklore, the company weaves a colorful tapestry of the Philippine’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.With the support of both the private and public sectors, BP’s achievements continue to strengthen and firmly establish its position as the country’s premier dance company. Ballet Philippines continues to look forward to its future while continuing to pay tribute to its past.


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Programming is subject to change. For further information, please visit BP online at
http://www.balletphilippines.org/

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