Ballet Philippines and The Theatre at Solaire recently announced a partnership that promises to bring exciting new theatre experiences for audiences in the Philippines.

Set in the mythical world of Philippine gods and goddesses, Carlo Calma’s “Diyosa” is Ballet Philippines' (BP) latest original production that juxtaposes elements from our rich culture, with a call to action on the global environmental crisis.

Ballet Philippines dancers performing routines with one of Carlo Calma's creations

Choreographed by Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, “DIYOSA” takes audiences on a sensorial journey where dance, design, fashion, electronic music, and art come together to inspire and dazzle audiences.

In the realm created by Carlo Calma, “the gods and goddess are reinterpreted as elements in architecture—creating these metaphysical worlds.”

In the adaptation, Philippine gods and goddesses are characterized through distinctive elements of local life—sunrise in the countryside, crowded alleys, the chorus of tricycles and jeepneys, just to name a few.

Carlo Calma

In interpreting Calma’s concept of modern day deities on stage, Martynyuk shares a precise picture of how every god or goddess moves. He shares, “The concept of gods and goddesses in this ballet is very abstract. In Diyosa, we want to modernize our experience of a god or goddess. So, we had to create a dance for each character. This performance will see a fresh new combination of classical, neo classical and modern dance styles.”

NEW VENUE

When the news that the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) was going to close for major renovations broke, theatre goers expressed concern on where Ballet Philippines’ shows would be performed. The CCP was, after all, BP’s home for the past 53 seasons.

Carlo Calma among Ballet Philippine dancers

During Ballet Philippines’ Nutcracker gala held at the CCP last December, BP President Kathleen Liechtenstein revealed: “We are delighted to announce that our next production will be performed at The Theatre at Solaire.”

Ballet Philippines' new home - The Theatre at Solaire

This first-time partnership was welcome news for audiences of Philippine performing arts. The Theatre at Solaire is a popular venue where concerts from both local and foreign acts have been mounted. This April, Carlo Calma’s "Diyosa" by Ballet Philippines will be the curtain-raising event for the two institutions’ 2023 lineup.

Carlo Calma’s Diyosa by Ballet Philippines will make its debut on April 14, Friday at the Theatre at Solaire at 8 p.m. with shows on April 15 and 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Purchase tickets at https://www.ballet.ph/diyosa/

(Photos courtesy of Ballet Philippines)