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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Ballet Manila to mark its return to the stage with 'Rise!' performance

Ballet Manila to mark its return to the stage with 'Rise!' performance

Published Sep 30, 2022 09:14 am

‘Rise!’ brings together the art of opera, pop music, OPM, orchestra music, and ballet in one theatrical experience

After relaunching the Aliw Theater Complex last August, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has her eyes set on her next project, which is to bring it to life through the power of live performance. This October, Filipinos are bound to see that magical moment as Ballet Manila makes its comeback to the stage—its home—with “Rise!,” a double-bill production presenting everything we love about live performances—dance, music, and spectacle. Playing with the theme of hope, the show brings together the art of opera, pop music, OPM, orchestra music, and ballet in one theatrical experience. 

“Why ‘Rise!’? Because that’s what we do. We rise after every catastrophe. We rise to face every challenge. We rise to fulfill our calling. We rise to make dreams come true,” Lisa, Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director, says.

From left: Gerardo Francisco, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Bituin Escalante, Jade Riccio, Luna Inocian, Abigail Oliveiro, and Mark Sumaylo

The first part of “Rise!” will be the “Ballet and Ballads,” one of the popular series of the dance company that was first conceptualized by Lisa’s husband, Fred J. Elizalde. Ballet Manila dancers will perform on the stage the choreography of Gerardo Francisco, Tony Fabella, Martin Lawrence, and Lisa with the Bituin Escalante's singing prowess complementing their movements. 

Taking the show to a dramatic turn is Lisa’s take on the opera “La Traviata” by Giuseppe Verdi. Ballet Manila’s principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro, Joshua Enciso, and Mark Sumaylo will portray Violetta, Barone Douphol, and Alfredo, respectively. Lisa’s ballet version of the opera will also feature the vocal talents of a 12-person opera ensemble with Jade Riccio and Ivan Nery as soloists. 

Tying the two programs together is a 60-piece bespoke ochestra to be led by maestro Gerard Salonga. 

Ballet Manila Dancers performing "Nais Ko" by Basil Valdez and an excerpt of "La Traviata"

Last Sept. 27, the artists behind the show gave a glimpse of what’s going to happen in “Rise!.” Ballet Manila’s male dancers demonstrated an electrifying performance of Basil Valdez’s “Nais Ko.” Bituin put the theater into silence with her soulful song “Aawit Kang Muli.” Jade was enchanting as she sang Violetta’s scene from the opera. While Ballet Manila’s principal dancers exuded joy, romance, and passion onstage as they perform an excerpt of “La Traviata.” If the performances they showed us were any indication, “Rise!” is definitely a production Filipinos shouldn’t miss seeing.

Jade Riccio and Bituin Escalante

“I want people to rediscover the magic and beauty of live theater performances,” Lisa tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “The music alone is amazing compounded with the dancing and the whole concept. I want them to discover the side of themselves that is filled again with hope and the power to dream, love, and be fearless. It is surprising but the beauty of art is saving us all. I’m just so happy to be able to produce a show like this that, hopefully, will not be missed by people.”

Witness Ballet Manila and Aliw Theater’s “Rise!” on Oct. 7 (8 p.m.) and 9 (5 p.m.). Tickets are now available on premier.ticketworld.com.ph.

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